Narkara, the semi urban wetland situated 8Km away from Srinagar centre is an important wet area. As per an article published in Down to Earth, the wetland has decreased from 22.63sq Km in 1965 to five sq Km in 2016. The wetland is a mere detention pond now but it has not lost its importance as a biodiversity hive, a water bird habitat and flood mitigation zone. Wetlands are of great importance as they act as carbon sink. The ground water is recharged and effects of water pollution are reduced. As wetlands can be of help in combating climate change, artificial wetlands are being constructed in many developed countries. The governments of these countries is spending billions of dollars in building the water filtration projects (constructed wetlands) while as Kashmir has natural wetlands and we are bent upon losing them.
Narkara wetland is affecting the local environment of this area of Srinagar. It is a water storage zone and produces fodder for the cattle being raised in the vicinity. The area is a breeding ground for many water bird species and provides food to many migratory ducks visiting the wetland during winter months. A major part of this wetland has been converted to vegetable gardens and its fertile soil is being used for the economic benefit of many locals. On the periphery of this wetland a number of residential colonies are getting the benefits thus Narkara is acting as a silent comrade.
This wetland is beneficial to the community, both human and wildlife, in a number of ways. It has to be understood that reckless urbanisation, within Narkara will not only affect the hydrology and ecology of this area but also increase chances of flooding in the surrounding areas. The wetland had the capacity to hold flood water for three days arriving from the flood spill stream. However the unreasonable filling has reduced its potential to hold back storm water runoff. It is home to many water birds and song birds. Purple Moorhen, Cattle Egret and Common Moorhen are breeding in the tall grasses and willow trees in the wetland. Mallards and Wild geese are night visitors in the wetland and stopover here for food during the winter season.
The custodians of the wetland, Rakhs and Farms department should prohibit construction in and along the periphery of the wetland. The departments of Lakes and Water ways, Irrigation and Flood Control should keep a track of the activities causing harm to the wetland. In a recent development, it was decided in a government meeting, Narkara wetland will be taken up by Wildlife Protection department for conservation and protection. Inspite of the fact that a number of Government departments are in charge of watching over this important wetland, the site is forsaken. According to the local informants, the wetland is being filled with earth these days. Trucks and JCBs are working day and night so as to transform it into a residential area. A few opportunistic and greedy people are wreaking havoc. A major part of uptown Srinagar will be looming under the threat of flood due to this immoral activity. One more biodiverse area, rainwater and nutrient sink will fall prey to human apathy.
India has several laws in place for the protection of Wildlife, forests and wetlands. The Environment Protection Act and Wildlife Protection Act were enacted with the objective of protecting and improving the environment and for matters connected therewith. The National Policy for wetlands offers adequate safeguards and legal basis for wetland conservation and wise use. We can explore the possibility of resorting to legal recourse for safeguarding the ecology of the fragile ecosystem.
(The Author is Assistant Professor, Deptt of Botany, Government College of Women, M.A.Road, Srinagar. Email:[email protected]
