Umaisar Gull Ganie
Srinagar, Mar 20: With the onset of spring, migratory birds have started leaving Kashmir valley and this winter more than 13 lakh migratory birds have visited the valley.
Officials said that keeping their centuries-old relationship with Kashmir, these birds visit Kashmir every year and enjoy the temperate climate here.
“During the month of October, these birds start migration from Siberia, China, Philippines, Eastern Europe and Japan to the valley and stay here for about five to six months”, they said, adding that around 13 lakh migratory birds visited Kashmir from October last year.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken up restoration of wetlands on priority. Various departments of the Government are working for restoration of wetlands under their respective jurisdictions”, officials said.
Ifshan Dewan, Kashmir’s wildlife warden (wetlands), said the birds start migration to Kashmir from the end of October and leave the valley in mid-March.
“Some birds are still present in wetlands and departure of birds remain usual as of previous years”, she said.
