SRINAGAR: A major ecological crisis is unfolding at the Hokersar Wetland in Kashmir after an abrupt and unscientific release of water by the Wildlife and Irrigation and Flood Control Departments drastically lowered the wetland’s water levels. The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has raised alarm, stating that the drop from a stable level of 4–5 feet to near-dry conditions has devastated the habitat, endangering the lives of nearly 10,000 breeding birds currently present at the site.
According to the EPG, most of these birds are newly hatched and unable to fly, rendering them extremely vulnerable to exposure and starvation following the drainage. The group has termed the situation a “distressing ecological crisis” and warned of potential mass mortality if immediate steps are not taken.
Hokersar, a Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance, is legally protected under international environmental agreements and Indian judicial orders. The group noted that the current mismanagement violates rulings issued by the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and the Supreme Court of India. All these institutions have directed state and UT governments to complete ground-truthing of wetlands by March 31, 2025, a directive whose implementation in Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain.
EPG has further alleged that the water release may have been motivated by vested interests aiming to facilitate illegal paddy cultivation within the wetland. According to credible reports received by the group, the encroachers benefiting from the lower water levels are believed to be politically protected, raising concerns over the misuse of both public funds and ecological infrastructure.
The group expressed particular frustration over the misuse of water-regulation structures funded by the Government. An amount of Rs 45 crore was earlier sanctioned for the construction of controlled inlet and outlet gates intended to manage water flow responsibly. However, the EPG claims that instead of being used to preserve ecological integrity, these gates are now being exploited to further illegal land use.
“This is not just a violation of law; it is a betrayal of public trust,” the group said in a statement. “Hokersar is not only a biodiversity hotspot but a vital ecological buffer for Kashmir’s fragile environment.”
The timing of the incident has raised further concern. Kashmir is already reeling from environmental stress, including glacial melt, erratic weather patterns, and water shortages. Wetlands like Hokersar play a crucial role in regulating hydrological cycles, preventing floods, and supporting livelihoods through the sustainable harvest of aquatic produce such as Nadru and water chestnuts.
What adds to the dismay is the silence of elected representatives from the region. Despite the visible environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, the EPG has criticised the lack of response and accountability from public officials.
In light of the seriousness of the issue, the EPG has written to Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging immediate closure of the wetland’s outlet gates to restore water levels. The group has also sought intervention from Shri Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, Chairman of the House Committee on Forest & Environment; the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir; and the Commissioner/Secretary of the Forest & Environment Department.
The EPG has submitted photographic and video evidence of the damage to support its demand for a high-level inquiry and for strict action against those involved in illegal encroachments and misuse of the wetland infrastructure.
As calls grow louder for urgent government intervention, the Environmental Policy Group has reaffirmed its commitment to defending Hokersar and other ecologically vital wetlands in the Union Territory. The group has appealed for immediate remedial action to prevent further environmental degradation and irreversible biodiversity loss.
