NK MONITORING DESK
SRINAGAR: As migratory birds begin to flock to Kashmir’s wetlands, the Wildlife Protection Department has ramped up efforts to restore and safeguard these vital ecosystems under a comprehensive conservation plan.
Altaf Ahmad, Wildlife Warden of the Wetland Division in Kashmir, stated that the department oversees eight key wetlands, including Shalbugh, Hokersar, Haigam, Mirgund, and Pampore.
He explained that an Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP), drafted in 2022, outlines the challenges facing the wetlands and the strategies required to maintain their ecological health.
“One of the main priorities highlighted in the plan is desilting. Over the years, wetlands like Hokersar and parts of Wular Lake have accumulated significant silt, which disrupts natural water flow. Removing this silt is crucial to restore water levels in areas that have dried up over time,” Ahmad said.
Desilting operations are already underway at several sites, including the wetlands visited by department teams on Saturday. Ahmad noted that the peak arrival of migratory birds typically occurs between December 10 and 15, prompting the department to ensure wetlands have adequate water levels for their settlement.
“To provide a suitable habitat for these birds, we seal breaches in embankments and clear all channels and streams feeding the wetlands. This ensures an uninterrupted water supply,” he added.
Ahmad emphasized that all restoration work follows a seasonal schedule designed to minimize disturbance to wildlife. “By early December, we halt all operations for about two to two-and-a-half months so that the migratory birds can settle safely,” he said.
The Wildlife Warden highlighted that these efforts, carried out according to government guidelines, aim to create secure and stable conditions for the thousands of migratory birds that visit each year. Measures such as maintaining water depth, improving flow channels, and preventing silt accumulation are expected to support the long-term ecological balance of these wetlands.
Monitoring teams will remain active throughout the winter to ensure that the habitats are protected and that human activity does not interfere with the seasonal stay of migratory birds.
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