by Dr Rafi Ramzan Dar
Our actions have significantly impaired these ecosystems and the aquatic life they support, resulting in water shortages, dry spells, and a rapid decline in fish catch. The consequences include a diminishing ability to derive sustained income from these deteriorating resources.
World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2, commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, held in the Iranian city of Ramsar. As defined in Article 1 of the convention, wetlands encompass areas such as marshes, fens, peatlands, or bodies of water, whether natural or artificial, with water that can be permanent or temporary, static, or flowing, and fresh, brackish, or salt. This designation also includes marine areas with a low tide depth not exceeding 6 meters, where a distinctive ecological interplay occurs involving hydrophytes, hydric soils, bacteria, and aquatic fauna.
Wetlands cover approximately 6 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, spanning all climatic zones except Antarctica. In Kashmir these diverse ecosystems are present in various geographical regions, ranging from the cold arid zone of Ladakh to the wet Imphal, from the warm and arid zones of Gujarat and Rajasthan to the tropical monsoon-influenced areas of central India, as well as the wet-humid regions of the southern Peninsula. In the Kashmir Valley alone, wetlands occupy an area of nearly 42,661 hectares, comprising 755 small and large water bodies.
This year’s World Wetlands Day focuses on the theme of Wetlands and Human Wellbeing. Wetlands, integral to the evolutionary journey of life, have served as vital conduits for the emergence, prosperity, and transition of species from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. Functioning as the biosphere’s kidneys, wetlands harbour a rich biodiversity, representing a final sanctuary for numerous species.
Throughout civilization, humanity has intricately woven itself into these ecosystems. Over per cent of the global food supply, including
essential staples like rice and fish, continues to be sourced from wetlands. Beyond sustenance, wetlands contribute significantly to flood mitigation, groundwater recharge and discharge, water purification, global warming mitigation, irrigation, tourism, and recreation, and serve as valuable centres for education and research.
This significance is notably observed in developed nations like Canada, the USA, Norway, Finland, and Russia, as well as various European countries including France, Switzerland, and Germany. In these regions, wetlands are conscientiously preserved, maintaining their pristine beauty and grandeur in both dimensions and water quality.
The health of wetlands in developing nations, including ours, presents a concerning picture. Over the past two to three decades, a lack of vigilance in regulating the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of these ecosystems has transformed them into stagnant pools and breeding grounds for various diseases. The unchecked deposition of millions of tons of sediments annually has led to a shallowing of our wetlands, elevated temperatures, increased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and pH levels. Illegal encroachments, cultivation activities, and waste discharges further compound the challenges faced by these vital ecosystems.
Instances in Jammu and Kashmir, such as Dal Lake succumbing to municipal waste and pollution from local and external sources, exemplify this neglect. Similarly, Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake, Haigam Rakh, Hokersar, Anchar, and Shalbug are not immune to the prevailing apathy. These water bodies grapple with issues like sedimentation, land use and land cover (LULC) changes, infrastructural impediments, haphazard planning, and vested interests from various segments of society, including development authorities like LAWDA and WUMDA.
Our actions have significantly impaired these ecosystems and the aquatic life they support, resulting in water shortages, dry spells, and a rapid decline in fish catch. The consequences include a diminishing ability to derive sustained income from these deteriorating resources.
The pressing need of the hour is a comprehensive examination of the effective management of wetlands and water bodies, accompanied by swift and tangible measures to ensure their sustainability. All relevant stakeholders must actively engage in addressing aspects related to ecosystem conservation, sustainable resource development, livelihood enhancement, and institutional development, as well as fostering community awareness and participation. Only through concerted efforts can we manage these essential assets for human welfare. This approach aligns with the theme of Wetlands and Human Wellbeing in its true spirit. Urgency is paramount; it is time to act judiciously before it becomes too late.
(The author teaches Geography at GDC Bijbehara. Ideas are personal.)
