Jibran Nazir
Srinagar
The prolonged dry spell in the valley has led to delay in the arrival of avian visitors to Kashmir’s wetland reserves.
The migratory birds leave their summer homes in East Europe, China, Siberia, Japan and Philippines every year to enjoy their sojourn visit to the wetland reserves of Hokersar in Mirgund, Hygam and Shalbug.
Hokersar being the largest wetland reserve in Kashmir is spread over 13.75 square kilometres.
The migratory birds spend almost five months in the Valley wetlands that provide sanguine and peaceful environs to the aerial guests.
Besides the identified wetland reserves, the migratory birds also throng the water bodies like Dal, Nigeen and Manasbal lakes, who travel with an unmatched efficiency every year across their summer and winter homes.
However, the continuous dry weather condition in the valley has delayed the arrival of migratory birds this year.
“The wetlands are drying up because of dry weather. This has caused a significant drop in the arrival of migratory birds in the valley,” Abdul Rouf Zargar, Wildlife Warden told Kashmir Life over phone.
“We are working very hard to maintain the optimum conditions in the wetlands. But, in face of the dry spell, we are helpless,” he said.
However, he said, “The birds like, pintails, coots, teals and widgeons have already arrived.”
But, Zargar said, the overall count of the birds has dropped by more than one lac. “The official census has not been conducted yet.”
