Kashmir's Shallabugh Wetland: The Perfect Eco-Tourism Escape

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Ganderbal- The 1,675-hectare Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, which is located in the districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal, is quickly becoming a popular ecotourism destination. Given Ramsar status on June 8, 2022, this wetland has become well-known worldwide for its vital role in protecting biodiversity. World Wetlands Day, observed globally on February 2, marks the adoption of the Ramsar convention on Wetlands in 1971. This year's theme focuses on Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.
The wetland hosts a diverse range of avian species, including Pintail, Common Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Greylag Goose, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Steppe Eagle, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Black-bellied Tern, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, and Wood Snipe.
A comprehensive bird census is conducted annually on February 23 and 24 to monitor the avian population accurately.
Each year, a significant number of migratory birds arrive in the area, with the current bird population estimated to be between 300,000 and 400,000. Mohammad Maqsood, the Block Officer for Wildlife at Shallabugh, said,“We are closely monitoring the birds and providing grains for food during freezing conditions. Compared to last year, the number of birds has significantly increased.”
He assured that they are committed to the protection of these birds and urged hunters to refrain from targeting them. He also added that in the coming weeks of February, they expect even more birds to visit.
Maqsood mentioned that garbage from Nallah Amir Khan is polluting both the Shallabugh Wetland and Anchar Lake. He appealed to locals not to pollute the wetland by throwing garbage into the Nallah, especially near the Shallabugh Wetland area.
Bilal Bhat, a social cum environmental activist from Ganderbal, said,“February 2 is not just Wetland Day; every day should be Wetland Day. He emphasized that the beauty of Kashmir lies in its wetlands, but this beauty is truly realized when birds visit these wetlands.”
He expressed concern over the continuous shrinking of these wetlands, with the primary responsibility falling on the general public.
Bhat called on the government to work on the restoration, sustainability, and cleanliness of the wetlands. Bhat said,“The beauty of wetlands is largely due to the migratory birds, and it is essential to take care of them.”
Regarding Shallabugh Wetland, he mentioned that the water level is frequently reported as low, urging the government and concerned departments to implement measures for its conservation and protection.
He highlighted the need for practical steps in wetland conservation, suggesting an increase in the number of employees to ensure the maintenance of sustainability and availability of resources for migratory birds, preventing the decline of bird populations.
He also appealed to the community not to throw garbage in these wetlands.
Bhat further recommended the construction of bunds around Shallabugh Wetland to prevent water leakage, ensuring that the wetland retains water as a reserve, which is crucial for the birds. He urged the government to not just celebrate Wetland Day but also take practical actions for the conservation and preservation of these vital ecosystems.
Ghulam Rasool, a local resident, expressed pride in the wetland, describing it as one of Asia's largest.“There are lakhs of birds here, but there is a staff shortage,” he said. He appealed to the government to recruit more employees to ensure better management and protection of the wetland.

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