Sunny Dua
Wetland of Gharana located quite close to India-Pakistan International border in R S Pura, about 35 Kilometers from Jammu is no less than a ‘National Heritage’ site where more than two dozen bird species from Central Asia and Northern Europe arrive annually after flying over mighty Himalayas but their hosts have nothing much to offer to these birds except a 0.75 Sq Kms of shallow filthy encroached upon pond which according to them accommodates over 5000 birds especially Bar-Headed Geese, for Now.
Prior to this, some of the visitors and wild life conservators have claimed that this same very pond which was little bigger than the existing one used to accommodate even 25,000 bird species. One might find several conservators boosting of their achievements in protecting this marshland but they themselves contradict their statements by saying that thousands of birds are made to accommodate in small pond of less than a square kilometre called ‘WETLAND’ which till date has not been physically taken over by the department of wildlife protection ever since its notification done way back in 1982.
Whatever, but the fact remains that timely arrival of these migratory birds in flocks in this wetland creates magnificent view leaving shutterbugs captivated. They leave no moment go astray capturing matchless bird flights, their formations and landings in their lenses. It was this day last week when a group of photography enthusiasts under the name “Moments Club” set up their tripods in the well done lawn of Wildlife Protection Department at Gharana Wetland at 9 in the morning waiting for their winged friends to arrive. The group was in the middle of having breakfast when the first flight of flock of Bar Headed Geese was spotted in the sky.
The day’s first flight of birds landed in the wetland exactly at 9:30 am demonstrating their disciplined body clocks. The flock made several formations with many drifting little away from the landing ground and then returning by twisting their wings and tails in different permutations and combinations before making over the pond. Many of the birds were flying in groups of two, three four or even five thereby creating a splendid site for viewers and shutterbugs. The locals knew that birds will arrive at 9.30 and they kept the date.
How much exciting this site might be, but reaching at ground zero is not an easy task. The roads might have been blacktopped for the conveniences of commuters but right from R S Pura to Gharana Wetland almost all faded and workout signboards are completely dilapidated leaving no or little scope for the visitors to reach Important Bird Area (IBA) comfortably. In absence of a dedicated road to wetland, visitors have to steer through constricted, broken down and shabbily maintained village streets that is not only inconvenient for bird watchers but also for the locals.
Still ironic is that waste from the village seeps right into the pond which is termed as ‘WETLAND’. The site is so important not because migratory birds make it their home to escape harsh winters of Siberia and European countries during December or January but also because it is located close to Indo-Pak border. It’s so close to border that standing on the bank of pond, visitors can spot Pakistan flag unfurling on top of their observatories.
Though the government has notified Gharana as Wetland and even declared it as Important Bird Area (IBA), it still needs to be declared as a National Heritage site before these winged guests chose to move away to another site due to fast encroaching or disturbing site area. In absence of an identified parking area, visitors take their vehicles right up to the pond site thereby creating disturbances for the birds. Locals give a damn to the visitors as they contribute nothing to the village.
It’s been ages since bird watchers, officials, visitors, tourists and cinematographers besides wild life film makers had been thronging this site but no one has ever cared to do anything about the Gharana village due to which locals show least interest in the conservation of this wetland. They have no love for the wetland which is evident from the fact that not even a single person from the village has even been roped in as a guide or conservator by any department.
Important birds that have been sighted by the visitors include Siberian Cranes, Keel, Grey Heron, Common Teal, Little Grebe, Northern Pintail, Ruddy, Grey Key Goose, Shoveler, Marchland, Gadwall and even Kingfisher. Most of these birds come from Central Asia and Northern Europe. However, Bar Headed Geese some of whom have been radio collared remain major attraction. Strangely all these flock together in just 0.75 Sq Km area where even villagers bathe their livestock.
Its during past that department of wildlife protection has tried to reenergise the pond by putting in small fish or by de-weeding it but the complete reserve area has still not been retrieved. Sources claim that the wetland that was reserved in Gharana was spread in an area of 200 acres but since issues pertaining to state land, shamlat deh, ownership, custodian property or notified area have not been settled since decades this reserve or catchment area continues to be last priority for conservators.
It was because of little efforts of Bombay Natural History Society in 2001 that this neglected sanctuary on the Indo-Pak border was classified as an Important Bird Area. There after noting much has been done. There was a time that guns booming on Indo-Pak border had forced these birds to not to settle in their this natural habitat. However, way back in 2013 when guns fell silent the birds returned to Gharana.
The ‘Moments Club’ members including Vivek, Mridula, Avijit, Nitish and this author Sunny clicked thousands of pictures only to post them on their social networking sites believe that little effort can make this place a protected area which then can be ideal wintering habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species. The Club Members many of whom have visited the site four to five times believe that constant efforts will yield results and watersheds restored to their lost glory. Aquatic vegetation and fisheries that has been contaminated due to degradation of the watershed can very well be restored to ensure revisit of migratory birds. Pakistan on other side of fence has planted huge trees may be for strategic reason but the same are serving the purpose of conserving biodiversity as well. A similar attempt could also be made on this side of fence to protect flora and fauns besides invigorating watersheds.
The government, Moments Club believe can work with landowners making them wildlife-friendly, involve partners including state and central agencies besides private corporations and foundations and individuals or start conservation easements and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to get satellite images and allied information to restore or protect habitat on the landscape.
There is a lot of pressure o this wetland that has destroyed the reserve. The problems of degradation of wetlands from pollution, encroachment, groundwater withdrawals, imporper drainage and other actions also require attention especially that of people of R S Pura. Wetlands conservation initiatives must also be declared as an important part of our National Heritage so that it becomes a centre of attraction for neighbouring states as well.
How can people make a difference?
There is a lot of scope to protect this most important wetland and amongst a few are getting involved, educating children, supporting wetlands and watershed protection initiatives, introducing stamps on Gharana, ensuring minimal wetland alteration, maintaining adjacent buffer strips as open spaces and most importantly learning more about wetland restoration activities. The Moments Club believe that by clicking and posting rarest pictures of these species on social sites besides taking more about the Gharana and writing about it will give a fillip to the moment of conservation of this Important Bird Area (IBA) besides making it an international destination.
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