Kashmir wetlands on the verge of death

This is in reference to the article ‘Kashmir’s wetlands gasp for breath’, authored by Greater Kashmir Executive Editor Arif Shafi Wani, published on February 04. The author has highlighted a genuine concern with regard to the deterioration of the natural environment. The author has been regularly highlighting the environmental issues facing the valley. Arif Shafi has indeed played a proactive role in highlighting the environmental issues confronting the region for which he deserves appreciation.

So for as the wetlands are concerned, Kashmir’s wetlands are shrinking due to urbanisation, pollution, and climate change. These wetlands are important for the region’s biodiversity and climate regulation. Wetlands are lands where the water table is typically at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water and are in the process of shifting from terrestrial to aquatic eco-systems.

Wetlands decrease flooding, remove pollutants from water, recharge groundwater, protect shorelines, provide habitat for wildlife, and perform various other important functions. Records say that there are 24 wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir. 16 in the Kashmir valley and eight in Jammu.

These wetlands play an essential role in maintaining the ecological health of the region. They provide habitat to a wide variety of migratory birds, including several endangered species. For instance, Hokersar Wetland, located near Srinagar, is a Ramsar site and hosts hundreds of thousands of birds during the migratory season, including species like the northern pintail, gadwall, and the bar-headed goose. Similarly, Wular Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is critical for waterfowl and aquatic biodiversity.

These wetlands also serve as vital buffers against floods, particularly in the flood-prone Kashmir Valley. Their ability to absorb excess water during the monsoon season has historically helped mitigate the devastating effects of floods, which have ravaged the region in recent years.

It is is very unfortunate that the runaway pattern of development has posed a grave threat to the existence of these ecologically rich wetlands, which are essential for the natural ecological balance and for the sustenance of life.

While the illegal encroachments have drastically changed the natural topography of these wetlands, the habitat destruction due to the unplanned developmental activities have reduced the number of migratory birds, which often visited these places. The continuous human intervention and irresponsible approach of the government has posed a great challenge to the environment and to the existence of these ecologically rich natural habitats.

The need of the hour is that the preservation of the wetlands must be taken on priority with immediate measures to be taken in order to avoid further deterioration. Their continued destruction raises an alarm that needs to be responded to with proper preservation measures for the overall environmental sustainability.

Any insensitivity will deprive us from these natural assets.

Let us act now and contribute to saving our natural treasures which are otherwise on the verge of death.

The author is a teacher and freelancer.