Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 22: The Chatlam wetland in South Kashmir’s Pampore area is teeming with life as over 50,000 migratory birds have been recorded flocking to the site this winter.
Chatlam is one of eight wetlands in Kashmir that welcomes avian visitors annually, as they travel thousands of miles from Siberia, Northern Europe, and Central Asia to escape the harsh winters in their native habitats.
Starting in October, these avian visitors gradually arrive in the wetlands, transforming the Valley into a vibrant spectacle of colour and sound. By March, all nine wetlands of the region host these seasonal guests, creating a mesmerizing sight that lasts for six months.
Imtiyaz Ahmad, Range Officer of the Pampore Wetland, said that 50,000 migratory birds of various species, including Mallards, Gadwalls, Common Teals, Northern Shovelers, Pintails, Greylag Geese, Eurasian Wigeons, Ruddy Shelducks, Common Pochards, and Red-Crested Pochards, have arrived at Chatlam. “Their numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks,” he said.
Ahmad further said that over 20,000 migratory birds are currently present in the other three Pampore wetlands: Fashkoori, Krunchoo, and Mainibugh. Among these, Chatlam is the largest, spanning 852 kanals of land, while Fashkoori covers 305 kanals, Krunchoo 128 kanals, and Mainibugh 106 kanals.
The annual arrival of migratory birds draws bird enthusiasts and locals alike. Residents from Pampore and nearby areas visit the wetlands to observe and photograph the birds.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a local, shared, “I visit this wetland every winter to welcome these guests. Their chirping fills me with joy and their presence enriches my soul.”
However, concerns over encroachment threaten the future of the wetlands. “The wetland has been shrinking due to encroachment for years,” he said.
He added that the Government must take measures to protect these biodiversity-rich areas to ensure the birds continue to come here.
The wildlife authorities are keeping vigil to prevent poaching of these visitors. Earlier in this month in a drive against poachers, authorities conducted raids against poachers in Srinagar who were photographed in Wullar lake while displaying their 12-bore guns during poaching. One of them was arrested and a 12-bore gun and other material used for poaching was recovered from him.
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