Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Dec 10: Kashmir has received approximately eight lakh migratory birds since October this year while around 15,000 have arrived Shallabugh wetland in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Besides Hokersar located in the Zainakote area on Srinagar outskirts, the Shallabugh wetland, spread over thousands of kanals of land – from Takenwari Srinagar to Sangan Ganderbal – hosts migratory birds from countries like Siberia, China and Japan in the month of October because of freezing temperatures.
Range Officer Shallabugh Mohammad Ashraf Kabli said that the number is expected to increase after the improvement in the weather.
He also said that no new birds have arrived in the valley this year. “Some of the old birds who arrived the valley are Geese, Bar Geese, White Heeled Duck, Shoveller, Red-Crested Pochard, White-Eyed Pochard, Common Teal, Pintail, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Hoonk and Graylag,” Kabli said. “Among these, Pintail, Common Teal, and Gadwall arrive this wetland in maximum numbers.”
Another official said that a major bird festival will be organised in Shallabugh wetland as the administration is hopeful that a maximum number of migratory birds will arrive this sanctuary.
“The water level has also increased. The infrastructure will be developed around the wetland, and a bridge will also be renovated so that more activities are carried out here,” he said.
Wildlife Warden Wetlands, Kashmir Ifshan Dewan said they expect 8 to 10 lakh migratory birds this year. She also said that all control rooms have been activated to prevent the poaching of birds.
The wetland is a major stopover and wintering area for migratory Amatidae and a breeding ground for various waterfowl species.
Like every year during this season, the wetlands are still in bloom by various birds that stay there all winter long and go away in March. Wetlands are critical to the maintenance of biodiversity, water collection and availability.
Wildlife experts say these birds are helpful in maintaining the “ecological system” of Kashmir so they should be loved as much as we do with our kids.
