Ganderbal, Sep 07: The wildlife department has started fencing the wildlife sanctuary at Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district which hosts a diverse range of animals.
Officials said the move was taken to protect Thajiwas Glacier and save the sanctuary and animals. They said the surge in tourists brought with it a cloud of threats – air, pollution, littering and encroachment on animal habitats.
“The serene landscape gradually succumbed to signs of distress. Sensing the urgent need to protect the delicate ecosystem, the department took decisive action,” said an official of the wildlife department.
He said the department launched a mission to safeguard the sanctuary by erecting robust fences along its boundaries. These fences not only acted as barriers to prevent encroachments but also helped regulate tourist movement, ensuring they adhered to designated paths and respected the fragile equilibrium, he said.
“As the fences rose, a renewed sense of hope flourished among wildlife enthusiasts. It was as if the sanctuary itself exhaled in relief, knowing that steps were being taken to ensure its long-term survival,” the official said, adding, “Initial confusion gripped tourists visiting Sonamarg who were accustomed to unrestricted access and the freedom to explore. However, as they learned about the purpose behind the fences, a tide of understanding and support swept through their ranks.”
Eco-friendly guidelines emerged, promoting responsible tourism that minimised pollution and disruption to the animals. With time, the sanctuary embarked on a journey of revival.
“The air grew cleaner, water sources purer, and the animals seemed to regain a sense of security,” the official said, adding, “Visitors enjoyed a different kind of experience – one where they could witness nature’s wonders without disturbing its sanctity.”
In the midst of adversity, Sonamarg’s wildlife sanctuary emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation, said a local. He said the threats that had cast a shadow over the environment and its inhabitants gradually dissipated, replaced by a renewed harmony.
This highlights that through determination and collective effort, even in changing times, nature’s beauty could be conserved for generations to come, he said.
An official from the wildlife department said that last year, they initiated the relocation of the fragile components of the ecosystem. “We erected a 3000-ft wire and a central gate. Additionally, the department once again decided to fence an area of approximately 3300 feet to protect Thajiwas Glacier and its surrounding areas,” he said.
He said several other plans by the department are underway to ensure the sanctuary’s well-being. These include installing wire fencing around the tourist area will maintain Sonamarg’s environment and curb human interference in the habitats of wild organisms.
The local residents appreciated the step, foreseeing benefits for Sonamarg’s beauty and its surroundings.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Wildlife Warden Central, Altaf Ahmad, said the wire’s purpose is to safeguard the environment and prevent encroachment. Since 2019-20, around 5,000 feet of wire has been installed, with plans for an additional 3,500 feet.
He emphasised that the area’s ecologically fragile nature demands protection for Nallah Sindh, which originates from glaciers.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh had already directed for environmental preservation, leading to a ban on the vehicle movement towards the Thajiwas area.
To address the concerns of encroachment and illegal occupation in this popular tourist spot, the wildlife area was identified and safeguarded, with a permanent barrier installed in critical areas, Altaf said.
“Horse routes will be regulated and supervised, with an initial pathway established along the wall. An entrance gate will be constructed, and a checkpoint is planned to ensure controlled access for both local and non-local tourists,” the DFO said.
