Famed Shallabugh wetland fast losing its sheen

Once a preferred destination for lakhs of migratory birds, the famed Shallabugh wetland in Ganderbal district is fast losing its sheen, with experts and residents expressing concern over its deteriorating ecological health.

Encroachment, unchecked pollution and the lack of effective conservation measures have severely impacted the wetland’s ecosystem. Unlike previous years, when lakhs of migratory birds from various European countries would arrive in the Valley and inhabit wetlands, including Shallabugh, a significantly lower number of such birds have been observed at the site this year.

Officials said the wetlands department has prepared a revival plan and assured that necessary measures will be taken to preserve the wetland and make it conducive for hosting migratory birds. They attributed the reduced bird presence partly to dry weather conditions over the past month, which have lowered water levels in the Sindh stream and Khushal Sar, the main water sources for the wetland.

“Even then, the wetland still retains about 90 per cent water, which is helping the birds,” officials said.

However, they acknowledged that waste and garbage flowing in from nearby villages remains a major challenge. “It harms both the birds and the wetland,” officials said, adding that the department is carrying out regular anti-plastic drives and cleaning operations to maintain the area.