Irfan Yattoo
The Jammu and Kashmir government is all set to inaugurate Valley’s first eco-tourism site ‘Hokarsar Wetland’ known as ‘Paradise of Birds,’ for locals and tourists by the end of this year, officials on Thursday said.
Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu and Kashmir, Suresh Kumar Gupta told Rising Kashmir that the department has developed ‘Hokarsar Wetland’ as an ecotourism site and it will be soon thrown open for the locals and tourists.
“We have developed many facilities including sitting benches, swings, sign boards, bird hoarding, and have developed other infrastructure in the wetland to attract more locals, tourists in the area. People will really enjoy the beauty of nature and explore other places as well,” he said.
Gupta said the eco-tourism spot will be inaugurated soon by some dignitary from the administration very soon. We are giving final touch to all arrangements, he said.
“We are also planning to host a mega festival in the Hokarsar wetland and dates for which will be notified later. In the coming time, wetlands will be full of activities in the entire region,” he said.
The Hokarsar wetland is the second biggest in Kashmir covering an area of 13.54 sq km. Its area falls in the districts of Budgam and Srinagar. The wetland attracts lakhs of migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and northern Europe during winter providing breath-taking sights to visitors.
Another official said the department is focused to promote ecotourism as a new enhanced sustainable livelihood option for the local communities in and around wetlands.
“In coming time, the boardwalks and nature trails will give the visitors a good chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful environment of Hokersar,” he said.
He said the walking trail along the wetland will be constructed above the highest flood level of the wetland. Gates at the entry points will control these boardwalks and only serious nature lovers and birdwatchers will be allowed to access.
“The department is planning for guided tours to be arranged across the boardwalks in the wetland areas. Well-trained guides shall escort the visitors who shall be adequately briefed about the dos and don’ts while in an ecologically sensitive area,” the official said.
He said that local community groups will be trained to take up interpretation activities.
Ifshan Dewan, Wildlife Warden Wetlands Kashmir told Rising Kashmir that so far over 1 lakh migratory birds have arrived in Hokarsar wetland.
“It is called birds paradise and we are expecting more than 4 lakh birds this winter season, who will be arriving from across the globe,” she said.
Earlier in August this year, Shallabugh and Haigam wetlands of Kashmir were added by the Union Government to the list of Ramsar sites.
With the addition of these two, the number of Ramsar sites in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up to 5. Surinsar-Mansar in Jammu and Hokersar and Wullar in Kashmir are already Ramsar sites.
