Wetlands undergoing permanent restoration: Official

Srinagar, Dec 03: The Wildlife Department Kashmir has taken up the restoration of wetlands in Kashmir valley as part of the Integrated Action Management Plan prepared for a span of five years until 2027, officials said.
Ifshan Deewan, Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, said that the restoration of the wetlands is an annual feature of the department and this year they have taken extended measures for the permanent restoration of these wetlands.
“From this year we have taken such measures that will witness their long term restoration and this will further beautify them and attract birds and people as well,” she said.
Ifshan said at the Hokersar, wetland conservation in Zainakote, Srinagar, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department is constructing the gates and these are almost ready.
“On the other side we also made some peripheral channels which add the wetland life to 50 more years and it is also ending the encroachments,” she said.
Similarly, the Shallabugh wetland reserve in central Kashmir, spread over thousands of kanals of land from Takenwari Srinagar to Sangan, which had recorded low water levels this year due to lack of conservation measures is also undergoing restoration.
Earlier the people who reside around the Shallabugh wetland and environmental experts had raised concern as it was devoid of water.
The Wildlife Warden said they have now intervened and constructed a ring bund for water retention which is a permanent solution for the wetland. “Earlier, we had to take measures for water retention. It has got a permanent solution for the same,” she said.
About Hygam Wetland, a Ramsar Site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention), she said they will make a permanent gate for the same next year.
The Hygam wetland is an important part of Jhelum floodplains comprising an important habitat for migratory water birds within the Central Asian Flyway.
About Mirgund wetland, Ifshan said they also have plans to construct a bund and will develop peripheral channels which will also evict the encroachments.
She also said there are also wetlands in Pampore area of south Kashmir and those don’t face water shortage issues; however the department is keeping close vigil on all the wetlands.
The Wildlife Warden Wetlands said the department has prepared an Integrated Action Management Plan for a span of five years starting from 2022 to 2027.
“We are also doing the auction of silt material which will not only give benefit to the government but will also take more areas under the wetlands,” she said.
Kashmir’s wetlands serve as a magnet for foreign visitors drawn by rich ecological diversity of plant and animal life, as well as lush aquatic vegetation. These guests extend their stay until late March before embarking their journey back to their native habitats.
These wetlands also provide winter resort for a variety of birds for shelter, nesting and feeding. They also harbour a vast array of flora and fauna and thus exhibit rich biodiversity.