EPG expresses concern over deteriorating health of Kashmir wetlands

31 October 2024

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Srinagar, Oct 31: The Environmental Policy Group ( EPG) has expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating health of wetlands of Kashmir.

“Our wetlands have never been in this pathetic condition as they have been for some time. It shows abject failure of the Wildlife Department in managing these natural resources so generously gifted by the creator. It is not the case of one or two wetlands but each and every of our wetlands is crying for attention. Once known as the “Queen of Wetlands “- Hokersar deserves special mention, located on the outskirts of Srinagar on one side and Budgam on the other”, EPG said in a statement to Ziraat Times today.

The total apathy by officials has reduced this waterbody into a pasture, parched land, playground and a driving learning facility, EPG said.

Environmental Policy Group ( EPG) had unearthed a huge earthwork scam whereby huge quantities of excavated soil was clandestinely trucked away without any accountability. On EPG’s complaint, the Department had ordered an enquiry but was covered under the carpet because same officials against whom the complaint was lodged were appointed enquiry officers. This raises serious questions about the necessity of having a Wildlife Department in place. It is not a shame for the Department only but for society as well to silently watch death and destruction of wetland so critical for our eco-system”, EPG said.

Noting that Hokersar is not the only wetland facing such fate, EPG said Haigham Wetland, once a famous Game Reserve, is in no better condition. It too has been reduced to a 3-4 ft wide drain. A sign part it has been encroached upon , constructions made, orchards developed and even playgrounds carved out of the dry and parched wetland, EPG added.

The fate of Shallabug is even worse. An EPG team during a visit walked kilometres and kilometres from one end to other end of this wetland. Not a drop of water was seen in any part of the wetland despite the fact that water level in its feeding river River Sindh was flowing at a higher level and could easily flow into the wetland but astonishingly its flow into Shallabug wetland was blocked to enable mafia to excavate and carry the soil out of the Wetland, EPG observed.

Surprisingly, a bund has also been constructed in middle of the wetland dividing for unknown reason. This shows the total insensitivity and mismanagement of Shallabug on the part of the Wildlife Department. The condition of Mirgund and Aanchar is no different, the group observed.

EPG laments that with the bird migration season already having set in and their natural habitats having been rendered inhabitable for them what is the role the Department is playing. Like past they are waiting for a windfall to come to their rescue in the form of rain/snow from the skies. They loose no time to engage professional camera persons to shoot and hoodwink the people. At times the Department showcases videos/photos of previous years. EPG demands a high level independent enquiry into the charges levelled by it. It may be noted that this and other issues critical for conservation of environment were raised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) in their meetings held with the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who assured to look into the matter urgently. These issues were agitated by Convenor EPG – Faiz Bakshi and members of the civil society in their meeting with the Chief Minister.