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Indian Journal of Waste Management

Volume  4, Issue 1, January-June 2020, Pages 9-14
 

Original Article

Present Status and Significance of Wetlands in Kashmir

Bilal Ahmad Bhat

Associate Professor, Division of Social Science, Faculty of Fisheries, RangilGanderbal, Sher-eKashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir.

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Abstract

Kashmir traditionally known as paradise on earth for its beauty is replete with diverse types of fresh water bodies. Majority of these natural aquatic system are shallow basined and classified under western Himalayan wetlands. The wetlands of Kashmir valley are mostly located in the flood plan of River Jehlum and Sind and are characterized by the varying in Hydroedaphic features. All the wetlands are linked with each other. Wetlands form a significant part of our ecosystem. Wetlands decrease flooding, remove pollutants from water , recharge groundwater, protect shorelines, provide habitat for wildlife , and perform other various important functions. Records say that there are 29 wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir State, 16 in the Kashmir valley, eight in Jammu and five in Ladakh. All of these have been brought under conservation plans. The winged visitors from Central Asia and Europe start arriving Kashmir valley in lakhs towards the first week of November and the concentration of migratory birds will peak around first week of February. Kashmir presents migratory birds a comparatively hospitable alternate habitat compared to the extreme freezing conditions in their natural habitats in Siberia, China, Japan and other countries in northern
hemisphere. Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Brahminy Duck, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon are some of the most sighted birds in the wetlands of Kashmir. It is reported that there are around 106 species of birds nestle in these wetlands, including 25 species of land birds which visit occasionally and several endangered species. Wildlife Warden, are blaming the Revenue Department for failing to take any preventive measures to save the wetlands. They feel helpless as Revenue Department is not providing
them the details about the possession of the lands. Nothing is being done to sort out the issues with the locals who have encroached upon the land aro-und the wetlands in the absence of proper records. Beautiful Valley of Kashmir is bestowed with large number of impressive wetlands like Haigam, Mirgund, Shalbug Wetland etc. In this study,
we report the present status of important wetlands in Kashmir valley. It is noticed that wetlands at present are fallen victim to unbridled development, with extensive encroachment, garbage dumping and the release of untreated sewage. It is recommended that we must continuously monitor wetlands and their surroundings. We should work
together to develop strategies and action plans for the conservation and restoration of wetlands in Kashmir.

Keywords: Kashmir; Wetland; Water bodies; Wildlife; Animal life.
 


Corresponding Author : Bilal Ahmad Bhat