Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 8: With subzero temperatures subsiding in the Kashmir valley, wetlands are witnessing a resurgence in migratory bird populations, with authorities preparing for an extensive bird census between February 15 and 20, officials said.
Altaf Hussain, Wildlife Warden Wetlands, Department of Wildlife Protection said that with an improvement in both day and night temperature, the valley wetlands were witnessing resurgence in migratory bird population.
The official said the department is planning a yearly census to provide precise data on migratory bird population, stating that the guest birds have shown a promising increase over the last two years.
“Currently, our wetlands have a significant bird population, and we anticipate similar numbers to last year,” the official said, adding that previous censuses recorded over 12 lakh birds across Kashmir’s wetlands.
The top officer also added that they achieved a major breakthrough in maintaining the water levels inside the Hokersar wetland, stating that newly constructed water regulation gates have successfully maintained optimal water levels.
“These gates ensure water retention, preventing unregulated leakage. As a result, areas that had remained dry for decades are now submerged, naturally reclaiming wetland habitat and deterring encroachment,” an official said.
The officer also added that they are also focusing on other key wetlands, like Haigam and Shalbugh, stating that better habitat restoration there was also among the top priorities.
“Siltation and waste accumulation are major challenges. A strategic plan is being developed to mitigate these issues and restore the wetland’s ecological balance,” the official said.
