Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Nov 22: With over a million migratory birds having already arrived in Kashmir this winter, the Department of Wildlife Protection has deployed multiple staff teams at Dal Lake and Wular Lake and other key wetlands to monitor the birds during their stay, officials said.
An official said that the teams supervise the birds and ensure human activity in and around the wetlands does not disturb their natural behaviour. As of now, the highest number of birds has been recorded at Wular and Dal Lake, he added.
“Wular Lake is under strict CCTV surveillance to track bird movements and prevent potential threats,” the official said.
He said the facilities for bird observation have been established, including designated ponds and observation points where birds can be fed and monitored.
The arrival of migratory birds coincides with the onset of colder temperatures in the valley.
Birds travel from Europe, Central Asia, and parts of East Asia to spend the winter months in Kashmir, where lakes and marshes provide resting and feeding grounds.
Wetlands, including Dal Lake, Wular, Hokersar, Haigam, and Shalbugh, have begun hosting a wide variety of species, including the Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Brahminy Duck, and Northern Pintail.
Officials said the migratory season began in late October and will continue until March. The wetlands, still holding sufficient water after autumn rains, provide ideal habitats for the birds.
The teams continue to monitor key areas and prevent poaching and habitat degradation. “Night patrols and coordination with local police units have been intensified, and awareness campaigns in surrounding villages aim to discourage illegal trapping,” an official said.
The visiting flocks play a role in maintaining the wetlands’ ecological balance and contribute to the food chain. Their presence also attracts photographers, bird watchers, and environmental students documenting species and behavioural patterns.
According to the official, the valley’s lakes and marshes, combined with conservation measures and surveillance, provide safe environments for the migratory birds.
As already reported, over a million migratory birds have arrived in Kashmir. The department said the number is likely higher now, and a formal official survey is currently underway.
