Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 10: Shallbugh Wetland, designated as a Ramsar Site just four months ago in June last year, now presents a haunting picture of arid terrain, raising questions about the authenticity of its Ramsar status, the Environmental Protection Group (EPG) said in a statement today.
Once a pristine 1675-hectare wetland, EPG said that it has transformed into a parched expanse devoid of water, even after a comprehensive inspection conducted by the EPG team.
The EPG expressed concerns, noting that over half of the 33,000 kanal area is enclosed by a bund, which has prompted suspicions of underlying motives, potentially tied to future real estate development or connections with influential land stakeholders.
Shallabugh, as highlighted by the EPG, traditionally reliant on rainwater, snowmelt, and a stream originating from Sindh and Anchar, is currently witnessing ongoing bund construction efforts aimed at fabricating artificial pools to mimic water bodies during sporadic rainfall, effectively misleading observers.
“As October unfolds, signaling the arrival of the migratory bird season, bird enthusiasts have been disheartened by the discovery of just a single bird after hours of searching.”
The group attribute the dismal state of Shallbugh Wetland to prolonged dry spells and insufficient conservation measures, an issue exacerbated by the recent discovery of similar conditions in Hygam, underscoring the critical need for effective wetland management.
Faiz Bakshi, Convenor of EPG, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “It is profoundly unfortunate and distressing to witness the current condition of Shallbugh Wetland. Describing it as a wetland is becoming increasingly untenable; it has essentially transformed into barren land.”
Syed Farhat, an environmental activist, urged immediate action to rejuvenate the wetland and prevent harm to future generations, while social worker Syed Adil voiced concerns about encroachments.
Er Ajaz Rasool, a Technical Advisor, emphasized the immediate imperative for water management, high-altitude storage, and the preservation of gorges to regulate river flow.
In contrast, the EPG reported a glimmer of hope at Hokersar Wetland, where the construction of inlet and outlet gated regulators is currently underway with the goal of maintaining water levels.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel