Meej Wetland, situated in Pampore, is one of the lesser-known wetlands of Kashmir Valley, yet it holds tremendous ecological significance. This wetland is endowed with rich biodiversity, including varied aquatic flora and fauna, and serves as an important wintering ground for migratory birds arriving from Central Asia and beyond. The site also supports local communities by contributing to groundwater recharge, maintaining micro-climatic balance, and providing potential for eco-tourism.
Despite these ecological values, Meej Wetland has remained largely unexplored and unmanaged.
Currently, its custodianship lies with the Revenue Department, which does not have the technical expertise, statutory mandate, or resources for scientific wetland & Wildlife management.
This Wetland has great ecological significance as this wetland acts as a winter refuge for migratory birds such as ducks, geese, and waders, forming part of the Central Asian Flyway,maintains a diverse assemblage of flora and fauna, many of which are ecologically sensitive,provides ecosystem services like water storage, groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, and carbon sequestration, enhances the socio-cultural and aesthetic value of Pampore landscape, which already holds global significance due to saffron cultivation.
There may be number of challenges which this wetland faces due to lack of formal protection of wildlife and scientific oversight of wetlands, including encroachment and land conversion which may lead to shrinkage of wetland area,pollution from agricultural runoff, solid waste dumping, and domestic effluents,disturbance to bird habitats during critical wintering months,siltation and eutrophication thus reducing the water quality and wetland depth,absence of management planning, monitoring, or community involvement.
If these issues are not addressed urgently, these pressures could lead to irreversible ecological degradation of Meej Wetland.The Wildlife Protection Department is the most suitable custodian for Meej Wetland due to the reasons like the department of Wildlife Protection has a legal mandate under the J&K Wildlife Protection Act to conserve and manage wildlife habitats,the Department has technical expertise in wetland ecology, bird monitoring, and habitat management,it can integrate Meej Wetland into the Protected Area Network, ensuring long-term legal protection,it can prepare a management plan as per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and wildlife protection act,1972 and align conservation efforts with the National Wetland Conservation Programme and Ramsar Convention principles,it has an established system of coordination with research institutions, NGOs, and local communities, which is vital for participatory management.
So, in order to protect and conserve this ecosystem,there is a way-forward that this wetland must be transferred to the wildlife protection department and upon transfer of custodianship, the Wildlife Protection Department can undertake baseline surveys of biodiversity, hydrology, and ecological health of the wetland,develop a Comprehensive Management Plan with clear conservation, monitoring, and restoration goals,initiate the process for notification of Meej Wetland as a protected site under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, implement habitat restoration projects including de-siltation, catchment treatment, and pollution control measures,engage local communities in conservation efforts through awareness programs, eco-clubs, and sustainable livelihood options like eco-tourism,explore long-term potential for recognition as a Ramsar Site, given its importance for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that Meej Wetland be transferred from the custody of the Revenue Department to the Wildlife Protection Department at the earliest possible stage. This will ensure its protection, scientific management, and inclusion in the Protected Area Network, thereby safeguarding the habitat of migratory birds and preserving its ecological values for future generations.Such a step will also reinforce India’s commitment to wetland conservation under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the National Wetland Conservation Programme, and the Ramsar Convention, while serving the ecological and socio-economic interests of the local community.
