M.M SHUJA
The paradise on earth, Kashmir, an environment-rich state, but it also happens to have an environment which is vulnerable and endangered in Central Asia. Valley’s wetlands, which have often been referred to as the “kidneys of the landscape,” have an important role to play in balancing the environment in terms of biodiversity, flood management, and serving as temporary homes to lakhs of migratory birds. Sadly, these wetlands have been encroached and left uncared for by the authorities in the last thirty years due to their lack of interest in doing so.
However, loss of wetlands Means the loss of an entire ecosystem and its associated benefits. Wetlands act as homes to various kinds of flora and fauna, including those migratory birds that fly thousands of miles just to make it to the valley during winter. The wetlands in Kashmir, such as the Hokersar Wetland, are registered under the Ramsar Convention due to the important role that they play in preserving biodiversity in the region.
Similarly, the social and economic impacts of disappearing wetlands are no less serious. Thousands of households residing in the Kashmir Valley area owe their living in one way or another to these wetlands. Environmentalists like Faiz Bakshi and Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat have not only brought up these issues but have also taken steps to protect wetlands, lakes, Karewas, and stop the illegal act of mining in front of the High Court and the National Green Tribunal. The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) under the supervision of Faiz Bakshi has made several visits to these wetlands like Shalibugh Wetland, Haigam Wetland, and Mirgund Wetland to write their reports for the restoration of these wetlands to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, well-known Journalist Arif Shafi Wani has kept raising these issues in his columns.
During an RTI reply, the department of wetlands & Wild Life have Confirmed that the thousands of kanals of wetlands have encroached in Kashmir Valley. The reply filed by the department are as under :-
It is not only the environmentalists, but every concerned citizen of the valley needs to raise their voices to safeguard the wetlands and other water bodies. Encroachment not only is an environmental problem but also a threat to the fragile ecological balance of the area. The wetlands are being reduced in size, while on the other hand, the forests in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir are being encroached.
In the last five years, many forest lands have been encroached upon by individuals and even some of the government departments. Furthermore, some parts of the forests have been diverted to make way for various developmental purposes. Though developments are essential, it should not harm the environment in any manner. If we really want to reclaim the glory that once belonged to this Paradise on Earth, then we have to make the preservation of the environment a priority. This is where our strength as a region really comes into play; after all, our natural splendor and potential as a tourist destination are what distinguish us from the rest. However, when we degrade the natural environment around us, we are not only destroying nature but also our very means of livelihood.
The Author is Senior Journalist/ Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
