by Saqib Khursheed
SRINAGAR: The Shallabugh wetland in district Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir is evolving into a prominent eco-tourism destination. Bestowed with the Ramsar status on June 8, 2022, the Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve has been globally acknowledged for its role in wetland and biodiversity preservation.
This conservation area spans 1675 hectares, encompassing regions in both the Srinagar and Ganderbal districts of Central Kashmir.
Maqsood Rather, a Wildlife Forester, said, “At present, the wetland hosts a diverse array of over 25 species, with a population exceeding 100,000 birds.
Notable species include the Pintail, Common Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Graylag Goose, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish-eagle, Black-bellied Tern, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, and Wood Snipe. A meticulous bird census is conducted on the 23rd and 24th of February each year, providing precise data on the avian population.”
The Ramsar recognition accentuates the international significance of Shallabugh’s efforts in wetland conservation, positioning it as a vital sanctuary for a multitude of bird species.
Nourished by precipitation, snowmelt from the Kashmir Himalayas, and water from the Sindh River and Anchar Lake, the Shallabugh wetland stands as a shallow ecosystem with a delicate yet diverse biodiversity. It serves as a crucial habitat for thousands of bird species, providing them with a sanctuary for survival.
Maqsood Rather, a Wildlife Forester, highlighted, “Wetland Day on February 2 is celebrated locally, with active participation from nearby residents and students, showcasing their engagement. On February 13, 2023, the Shallabugh Bird Festival unfolded over two days. This event, organized by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Wetlands Division (Kashmir), and the District Administration Ganderbal, in collaboration with SKUAST-Kashmir and Kashmir Birdwatch, aims to foster an appreciation for birds and their habitats among the younger generation.”
In emphasizing conservation efforts, Rather noted, “The wetland area remains free from encroachment, and stringent measures have been implemented to curb bird hunting and poaching within its jurisdiction. Notably, a recent incident led to the seizure of a bore rifle, although the hunter managed to evade capture.”
“Last year, thousands of tourists, including students from local colleges and universities, visited this site, and we expect more visitors to explore this place. As this site is located beside the city, we see fewer tourists here. I hope the two roads being constructed, one from Kerishbal to Takenwari and another from Paribal to Takenwari, will increase connectivity towards the wetland, and we will see more visitors to this beautiful place,” commented Ghulam Hassan, a Wildlife Employee.
Despite its proximity to the city, this wetland encounters fewer tourists. The ongoing construction of two roads, from Kerishbal to Takenwari and from Paribal to Takenwari, is anticipated to enhance accessibility, potentially attracting more visitors to this scenic location.
The Shallabugh wetland confronts challenges associated with water pollution, posing a threat to its delicate ecosystem. Nevertheless, the Wetland Conservation Reserve, through collaborative efforts involving local communities, NGOs, and government initiatives, actively addresses these challenges. These collective endeavours aim to safeguard the unique ecological characteristics of the Shallabugh wetland.
Expressing concern, Ghulam Hassan noted disappointment in observing residents of Badi Wuder and Sangam areas openly disposing of waste along the banks of the wetland, emphasizing the potentially disastrous consequences. Additionally, pollution stems from Nallah-e-Amir Khan, originating from Dal Lake via city areas towards Anchar Lake, eventually leading to the Shallabugh wetland.
Hassan acknowledged the significant developmental efforts for wetland conservation since it attained Ramsar site status. He advocated for the installation of signboards along Ganderbal and Srinagar roads to attract both tourists and locals. Despite the relentless efforts of the staff to combat poaching, bird hunting, and encroachment, the challenges persist, given the limitations posed by the relatively small workforce.
Ghulam Nabi, a resident, remarked on the current state of the wetland, noting that although it spans thousands of kanals, water is present in only a few hundred kanals. He suggested fencing and filling the entire area with water to attract more birds and provide them with suitable shelter.
Sharik Nazir, a local student, shared nostalgia about childhood experiences of sailing through the wetland to observe birds. He expressed frustration about the current requirement to obtain permission from the Chief Warden at Hosker Wetland, proposing the implementation of an online booking system to streamline the process.
Shallabugh Wetland, now positioning itself for eco-tourism, places a significant emphasis on sustained conservation. Local communities, NGOs, and government agencies collaborate to maintain the delicate balance of the wetland. The Ramsar recognition underscores Shallabugh’s global significance, urging all stakeholders to commit to its enduring protection. A collective effort is imperative to value and safeguard it for the well-being of future generations.
