Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 17: Amidst the changing weather patterns and concerns over reducing water levels in the water bodies of the Kashmir region, officials have assured that the region’s wetlands are currently in a ‘stable’ condition with no immediate threat to the bird population.
In a conversation, a top official overseeing wetland management in the valley confirmed that while Kashmir’s overall water regime faces challenges due to the ongoing weather conditions, the wetlands—home to migratory and resident birds—were not experiencing any shortage.
“We have enough water in the wetlands, in fact, there is an abundance. We might even have to regulate the water levels by opening exit gates,” the official said.
The top officer said that wetlands like Hokersar, Shallabugh and others were maintaining their required water levels, typically between 2 and 3 feet, which was essential for supporting avian populations. He, however, added that the Mirgund wetland was an area of some concern, but not because of the required water levels.
“Wetlands function differently when it comes to water retention. Unlike other water bodies, they hold water effectively due to limited exit flow,” the official said.
The wetlands serve as crucial habitats for migratory birds that arrive from Central Asia and Siberia during the winter. Any fluctuation in water levels directly impacts their survival and Kashmir’s ecological balance.
While the wetlands are currently stable, experts, however, cautioned that continued monitoring was essential as climate patterns shift, impacting Kashmir’s water resources at large.
