Wetlands demand attention

Jammu and Kashmir is home to several ecologically vital wetlands and five key sites include Hokersar, Wular Lake, Hygam, Shallabugh and Surinsar-Mansar lakes. Wetlands in the region are among the most productive yet most neglected ecosystems in the region. These wetlands are ecological lifelines that demand urgent attention and protection. Wetlands play a critical role in conserving biodiversity. They provide habitat to migratory birds, native fish species and a wide range of aquatic plants, making J&K a crucial link in global migratory routes. Any degradation of these ecosystems directly threatens wildlife balance and weakens the region’s rich natural heritage. Equally vital is their function in climate regulation. Wetlands act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and moderating local temperatures. In a region increasingly witnessing erratic weather patterns, shrinking glaciers and changing precipitation cycles, healthy wetlands offer a natural buffer against the impacts of climate change. Flood moderation is another indispensable service provided by wetlands. By absorbing excess rainfall and regulating water flow, they reduce the intensity of floods, an issue of growing concern in J&K due to unplanned urbanisation and encroachments. The catastrophic floods of the past have repeatedly underlined the cost of ignoring these natural safeguards. Beyond ecology, wetlands are closely tied to livelihoods. Thousands of families depend on them for fishing, agriculture, handicrafts and tourism. Protecting wetlands is therefore not just an environmental obligation but a socio-economic necessity. The time has come to move beyond symbolic observances and adopt strong, community-driven conservation measures. Scientific management, strict enforcement against encroachments, and public awareness must go hand in hand. Preserving wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir is ultimately about safeguarding biodiversity, building climate resilience and securing sustainable livelihoods for future generations.