Wildlife Department prohibits venturing into protected areas

Irfan Raina

Baramulla/Ganderbal, Mar 1: To safeguard delicate ecosystems and ensure unhindered migration of birds, the Department of Wildlife Protection has announced stringent measures.

As per the public notice issued by the department, the protected areas and their surroundings under the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Division including Hokersar, Hygam, Shallabugh, Mirgund, Chattlum, Fashkoori, Manibugh, and Kranchoo have been declared “out of bounds” for the people.

This restriction comes into effect immediately and applies throughout the migratory season.

Only individuals with prior permission from the competent authority would be allowed to access these critical wetlands.

The move aims to prevent any disturbance to the migratory patterns of birds during their crucial stopovers in these areas.

A public notice issued by the Wildlife Warden of Wetlands Division Kashmir warned that any unauthorised entry into these Wetland Conservation Reserves would be dealt with sternly under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The move is aimed at ensuring the importance of preserving these habitats, particularly during the migratory season, to maintain the ecological balance and protect the diverse wildlife inhabiting these wetlands.

“This division has time and again published and notified the prohibitions regarding venturing into the protected areas and wetland reserves. Now, through this public notice, it is again reiterated and circulated for the information of the people that in the exercise of powers conferred and vested with the undersigned in terms of the Wildlife Protection Act, the protected areas and adjoining areas falling under the jurisdiction of Wetlands Division Hokersar Wetland Reserve, Hygam Wetland Reserve, Shallabugh Wetland Reserve, Mirgund Wetland Reserve, Chattlum Wetland Reserve, Fashkoori Wetland Reserve, Manibugh Wetland Reserve, and Kranchoo Wetland Reserve are declared out of bounds for the people without valid permission given the migratory season, any person found venturing inside these Wetland Conservation Reserve illegally without valid permission will be dealt with sternly under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” public notice issued by the Wildlife Warden Wetlands Division read.