Wildlife Dept issues advisory as migratory birds return to Pampore wetlands

Public, farmers and visitors urged to protect birds; hunting, disturbance and pollution prohibited

PAMPORE: The Wildlife Protection Department has issued a public advisory ahead of the annual arrival of migratory birds in the wetlands of Pampore, urging local communities, farmers, visitors and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and undisturbed wintering habitat for the birds.

The wetlands of Pampore, including Chatlam, Kranchoo, Fashkoori, Manibugh and other associated wetland habitats, serve as important feeding, resting and wintering grounds for a large variety of migratory and resident waterbirds.

The department has asked the public to strictly refrain from hunting, trapping, capturing, injuring or killing migratory or resident birds and other wild animals.

The use of firearms, air guns, snares, nets, traps or any other means to hunt or capture birds has also been prohibited.

The advisory calls upon people not to chase or otherwise disturb birds, particularly at feeding, resting and roosting sites. Entry into sensitive wetland areas, bird congregation sites and restricted areas without permission of the Wildlife Protection Department has also been discouraged.

Pollution and disturbance prohibited

The department has urged the public not to dump plastic, polythene, bottles, garbage, waste or other pollutants in or around the wetlands.

People have also been advised against lighting fires, creating excessive noise or undertaking any activity that could disturb wildlife.

Fishing, extraction of wetland resources, cutting of vegetation and other activities prohibited under applicable laws have been barred without lawful permission.

Farmers and local residents have been asked to cooperate with Wildlife Protection staff during protection and conservation activities and report any suspicious hunting or other wildlife-related activity immediately.

Visitors have been encouraged to observe birds from a safe distance and avoid close approaches, loud music, drones, flash photography and other activities that may cause disturbance.

The department has also advised people against sharing the exact locations of sensitive bird congregation and roosting sites on social media, noting that such information could facilitate disturbance or illegal activities.

Injured birds to be reported to Wildlife staff

The public has been asked not to handle injured, trapped or distressed birds themselves. Any such bird noticed in the area should immediately be reported to the nearest Wildlife Protection staff.

The department has urged all stakeholders to cooperate with its personnel during patrolling, protection and conservation operations.

“The cooperation of the public is essential for safeguarding the rich wetland biodiversity of Pampore and ensuring that the migratory birds find a safe, peaceful and pollution-free wintering habitat,” the advisory said.

Describing the wetlands as a shared natural heritage of the people of Pampore and Jammu & Kashmir, the department called upon residents and visitors to welcome the migratory birds “with care, respect and responsibility.”

It warned that anyone found violating provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Environment (Protection) Act, applicable wetland regulations or other relevant laws and rules would be liable for action as per law.

The advisory has been issued in the public interest ahead of the migratory season.