G’bal: A famous and preferred destination for lakhs of migratory birds, Shalabugh wetland in Ganderbal district is fast losing its sheen and craving for attention.
Encroachment, unabated pollution and lack of conservation measures have drastically affected the eco-system of Shalbugh wetland here.
The famous wetland in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has virtually turned into a ‘wasteland’ due to the lackadaisical approach of the concerned department.
Unlike in the past when lakhs of migratory birds from various European countries came to valley and stayed in various wetlands including this one, this year a negligible number of such birds were seen in Shalbugh wetland.
The wetland spreading over thousands of kanals wear a deserted look during this period of time with not a single migratory bird in it, though flock of sheep and other animals can be seen grazing in the dry fields.
Spanning over 14 kilometers, Shallabugh, which mainly receives its waters from Aanchar lake in Srinagar, spreads from Takenwari Srinagar to Sangam Ganderbal.
The wetland receives its waters from Aanchar lake here. “Disposal of bio-medical waste from SKIMS Soura into Aanchar subsequently pollutes Shallabugh Wetland,” said Aqib Ul Ahad social Activist from Ganderbal.
Lakhs of migratory birds come to Shallabugh wetland in Sherpathri area of Ganderbal from far off places like Siberia, Central Asia, Northern Europe, Ladakh, China and Central Asia.
Some of the popular migratory birds visiting the Shallabugh reserve include Geese, Bar Geese, White Heeled Duck, Shoveller, Red-Crested Pochard, White-Eyed Pochard, Common Teal, Pintail, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Hoonk and Graylag. Among these, Pintail, Common Teal and Gadwall are the birds visiting this wetland in maximum numbers. The flying visitors started to throng to this wetland from the first week of November and the outward migration is expected from March up to mid April said Aqib Ul Ahad.
The need of the hour is that Government and concerned department must take concrete steps to preserve these wetlands properly as habitat for these migratory birds and to maintain ecological balance.
