Large wetland of Kashmir, Hokersar is witnessing decline in arrival of Migratory birds due to the lack of water and alleged negligence of Wild Life
By. Javaid Bhatt..
Srinagar,Nov 11: Besides the deficit in rainfall,the Wildlife department has failed to retain the water with the reason this wet land remained dry and deserted. Lack Of water due to the excess deficit rainfall at Hokersar wetland in Srinagar has impacted the arrival of migratory birds. The migratory birds flock Hokersar wet land starting flight from various places like Siberia, China and Japan in the month of October in view of freezing temperatures. Irony is that, the negligence of wild life department disappoints these guests by not accommodating them at proper time. The delay becomes major reason for decline in arrival of these guest birds and disappointment for bird lovers who come to watch these birds from different places of country.
This is pertinent to mention that, according to India Meteorological Department Kashmir Valley is facing a rainfall deficit of 81 percent. The Hokersar wetland is a Ramsar site and is spread across nearly 13.75 Square Kilometers down from 18.13 Sq Km recorded in year 1969.
According to the Ramsar Site Information Service, The wetland is only site with the remaining Reed Beds of Kashmir which serves as a path wy to m68waterfowl species such as little cormorant, common shelduck, large egret, great crested grebeand other birds migrating from Siberia,China,Central Asia and Europe.
The Wetland is a crucial source of food,offering spawning grounds and nurseries for fish along with breeding habitat . Between the first and third week of October,the Srinagar district where Hokersar Land is located has faced 36 percent and 96 percent rainfall deficit.
Experts said that the lack of rainfall alone is not resposponsible fot impacting the arrival of migratory birds.According to the experts and bird watechers who have been closely monitoring the winged vistors in wetland since years say that by this time of year more than one lakh birds arrive and increase as winter progresses.The number reaches in millions by the end of the season in March –April. Ironically this season not more than 500 birds have arrived to this habitat.
Experts blame illegal sand mining ,degradation of habitat and encroachment have added to the woes of the region which is already experiencing deficit rainfall.
The wetland has been used by the locals for livelihood purposes and its conservation and protection must become priority for the Government.
