Kashmir’s Wetlands Face Extinction: Environmental Group Exposes Systemic Failure

Srinagar, Oct 31:In a damning revelation that raises alarming concerns about Kashmir’s ecological health, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has exposed the systematic destruction of the region’s wetlands, pointing to a catastrophic failure in environmental stewardship.
The environmental watchdog’s comprehensive assessment paints a dire picture of wetland degradation, highlighting how these crucial ecosystems, once teeming with biodiversity, have been reduced to barren landscapes through negligence and alleged mismanagement.

The most striking example of this environmental crisis is Hokersar wetland, historically celebrated as the “Queen of Wetlands.” Strategically positioned between Srinagar and Budgam, this once-pristine water body has been degraded to serve as a pasture, playground, and remarkably, even a driving practice area.
The EPG has uncovered what it describes as a “huge earthwork scam” at Hokersar, where substantial quantities of soil were allegedly removed without accountability. More troubling still is the group’s allegation that an internal inquiry into these activities was compromised when officials implicated in the complaint were appointed as investigating officers.
The crisis extends beyond Hokersar. Haigham Wetland, once a prestigious game reserve, has been reduced to a narrow channel barely 3-4 feet wide. The EPG reports widespread encroachment, with unauthorized constructions, orchards, and playgrounds sprouting up on what was once protected wetland territory.
The situation at Shallabug wetland presents perhaps the most alarming scenario. During a recent inspection, EPG teams discovered the wetland completely dried up, despite the adjacent River Sindh flowing at a higher elevation. The group alleges deliberate blocking of water flow to facilitate soil excavation by what they term the “land mafia.” Adding to the concerns, an unexplained bund has been constructed through the wetland’s center, further disrupting its natural characteristics.
With the bird migration season already underway, the degradation of these wetlands poses an immediate threat to wildlife. The EPG criticizes the Wildlife Department’s passive approach, suggesting they merely await natural precipitation rather than taking proactive conservation measures.
The group also alleges that the department occasionally resorts to showcasing outdated footage to mask the current deterioration, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
These environmental concerns have reached the highest levels of administration, with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) raising the issue directly with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Chief Minister has reportedly assured urgent attention to the matter.
“This is not merely a departmental failure,” emphasizes Faiz Bakshi, EPG Convenor. “It represents a collective societal failure to protect our natural heritage. These wetlands are critical components of our ecosystem, and their destruction will have far-reaching consequences for our environment and future generations.”
The EPG has demanded a high-level independent inquiry into their findings, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to prevent further degradation. Their report raises fundamental questions about the Wildlife Department’s effectiveness and calls for a complete overhaul of wetland management practices.
The situation demands urgent attention not only from authorities but also from civil society, as these wetlands serve as crucial ecological buffers and natural habitats that, once lost, may be impossible to restore.
The environmental group warns that without immediate and decisive action, Kashmir risks losing these invaluable natural resources forever, with potentially devastating consequences for the region’s ecological balance and biodiversity.