Wetlands on brink of collapse in Kashmir, environmentalists sound alarm

Srinagar, Nov 22: Environmentalists have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of wetlands in Kashmir, warning that this alarming trend poses a significant threat to the Valley’s ecological balance.
A group of environmentalists told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that they recently visited Mirgund Jeel – a wetland that was once a thriving habitat for migratory birds, but has now completely dried up.
They highlighted the shocking state of the wetland, citing gross neglect and lack of timely intervention by concerned authorities. “Cattle are now seen grazing freely across the area, and this dire situation reflects the urgent need for action to restore the wetland.”
The group of environmentalists said that there is a dire need to divert water from Sukhnag to Mirgund Jeel and clear the canal connecting Sukhnag to Mirgund to restore water flow. They also stressed the need for experts from relevant departments to develop sustainable restoration strategies.
They said the wetlands are the “lungs of our environment,” playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, flood mitigation, and climate regulation. “Protecting our wetlands is not just an environmental priority but also a moral and ecological responsibility we cannot afford to neglect,” They said.
They said that National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also taken cognizance of the deteriorating condition of wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir, directing the Department of Forest Ecology and Environment to provide details on the total number of wetlands, their geo-coordinates, and conservation plans.
The environmentalists appealed to the administration to act promptly and decisively to address this pressing issue, calling for coordinated efforts to prevent further degradation and ensure the sustainable preservation of Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem. [KNT]