Srinagar, April 22: A joint team of legislators, government officials, and environmental experts on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive site inspection of the Haigam Wetland Reserve to assess the status of conservation and management efforts under the Integrated Conservation and Management Action Plan.
The wetland, an internationally recognised Ramsar Convention site and part of the larger Wular Lake ecosystem, lies along the Central Asian Flyway and is considered ecologically significant for migratory bird habitats.
The inspection team included MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Pattan Riyaz Ahmad Bedar, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Wildlife Warden Kashmir Altaf Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Safia, and Executive Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Ramiz.
The visit was organised by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), led by its convenor Faiz Bakshi, along with governing council members Ajaz Rasool and Ghulam Rasool Bacha. It was convened following a request from local environmental activist Aijaz Ahmad Dar.
During the day-long visit, the team inspected multiple locations within the wetland area, including Looli Pora, Gole Taing, Goja Bugh, Haari Taar, and Haigham Rakh, to examine on-ground challenges affecting the wetland ecosystem.
Key issues highlighted during the inspection included encroachment, deteriorating water management systems, weakening embankments, siltation, weed infestation, solid waste accumulation, and habitat degradation impacting both resident and migratory bird species. Concerns were also raised regarding the restoration of the erstwhile Boog Jheel and the proposed development of an eco-tourism park on reclaimed land at Ningli.
During a review meeting, the EPG presented a detailed assessment of the wetland’s ecological history, hydraulic parameters, and the growing impact of anthropogenic pressures on its sustainability.
Speaking during the visit, MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone emphasised a “no compromise policy” on wetland conservation. He said the protection of Haigam must remain a priority while also addressing the concerns of local residents who depend on the wetland for their livelihoods.
“We have to strike a balance between conservation imperatives and the needs of people who have lived here for generations. However, there can be no compromise on protecting this vital ecological asset for future generations,” he said, adding that stakeholder consultation should be integral to any conservation plan.
He also assured environmental activists that he would raise the issue with both the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Central Government to ensure effective conservation measures. Officials were directed to expedite implementation of conservation plans with a holistic approach.
MLA Pattan Riyaz Ahmad Bedar supported these views and called for cooperation between local communities and government agencies. He stressed the need to explore sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents through the responsible use of natural resources.
“People must be part of the solution. Their participation is essential for long-term conservation and resolution of local issues,” he said.
The visit concluded with a detailed review of the observations made during the inspection, with participants reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on activities that threaten the ecological integrity of Haigam wetland.
Officials and environmentalists described the wetland not only as a site of international importance but also as a critical ecological and cultural asset for the region, underscoring the urgency of sustained conservation efforts.
