The word “wetland” is derived from the combination of two independent words -‘wet’ and ‘land’ which primarily gives the idea of a land saturated with water, that may house certain plants and “animals”. (Ansari and Oseni, 2012). Wetland has lot of importance in ecology, biodiversity and maintaining various natural cycles. There are many different types of wetlands, each determined by its hydrology, water chemistry, soils, and the plant species found there. Wetlands may be characterized as dominated by trees, shrubs, or herbaceous vegetation. They may be fed by precipitation, runoff, or groundwater, with water chemistry ranging from very acidic to alkaline. According to Article-1 of the Convention on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl Habitat (1971), “wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide doesn’t exceed 6-metres. These are habitats where water saturation determines the nature of plants and animals, whether aquatic or terrestrial, that are found in such areas (Cowardin, et al., 1979). Wetlands are features transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Wetlands for the purpose of this classification must have one or more of the three characteristics i.e., (i) at least periodically the land supports predominantly hydrophytes. (ii) The substrate is predominantly un-drained hydric soils; and (iii) The substrate is non-soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season each year. Wetlands are transitional habitats in the sense that they are neither terrestrial nor aquatic, but exhibit characteristics of both. Their boundaries are part of a continuum of physical and functional characters, and may expand or contract over time depending upon factors such as average annual precipitation, evapo transpiration and modifications to the watershed. The transitional nature of wetland characteristics and the shifting of wetland boundaries render precise identification of wetland boundaries, if not possible (Moirangleima, 2010). It is reported that wetlands vary according to their origin, geographical location, water-regime, chemistry, dominant plants and soil or sediment characteristics ((Maltby, 1986). The classifications of wetlands have been suggested from time to time as earlier classification describes wetland types on the basis of flooding, depth, dominant forms of vegetation and salinity regimes. At international level, wetlands have been classified by many scholars and Academicians (e.g., Dugan, 1990). Kashmir valley famous in world for its beauty is replete with diverse types of fresh water bodies. Majority of these natural aquatic system are shallow basined and classified under western Himalayan wetlands. Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment and they protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else. The wetlands of Kashmir are mostly located in the flood plan of River Jehlum and Sind and are characterized by the varying in Hydroedaphic features. All the wetlands are linked with each other. Wetlands form a significant part of our ecosystem. Wetlands can decrease flooding remove pollutants from water, recharge groundwater, protect shorelines, provide habitat for wildlife, and perform other various important functions. The wetlands of Kashmir valley can also be classified in a comparatively easier way on the basis of various characteristics like altitude, size (water-spread area) status of wetland, location, and source of water. The Jammu & Kashmir region has 3651 big and small wetlands. The wetlands of J&K, Surinsar-Mansar in Jammu, Hokersar and Wular in Kashmir are identified as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. The Present Status of Wetlands of Kashmir Valley of J&K are given as under:
S.No. Name of Wetland District Present Status
1. Khushal Sar Srinagar Marshy
2. Gilsar Srinagar Habitation/Marshy
3. Ahansar Srinagar Marshy/Agriculture
4. Anchar lake Srinagar Plantation/Habitation/agriculture
5. Nagin lake Srinagar Marshy/Habitation
6. Dale lake Srinagar Marshy/Habitation/Agriculture
7. Rampur Taloo Anantnag Playground
8. Chakla Nambal Anantnag Agriculture land
9. Munshahun Taloo Anantnag Agriculture
10 Kiel Khanun Taloo Anantnag Agriculture
11 Buta Sar Kupwara Buta Sar
12 Tekipur Kupwara Seasonal
13. Nonn Khan Chak Kupwara Seasonal
14. Wudina Sar Baramulla Agriculture
15. Tsore Teng Baramulla Seasonal
16. Malipur Baramulla Marshy
17. Wullar Lake Bandipora Marshy/Plantation/Agriculture
18. Haighan Jhil Baramulla Agriculture/Marshy
19. Gadsar Baramulla Agriculture
20. Rakhi Malanpur Pulwama Agriculture
21. Chowkidar Sar Pulwama Agriculture
22. Baner Nambal Pulwama Horticulture
23. Bod Sar Pulwama Marshy/Agriculture
24. Rakhi-Arth Budgam Land/Agriculture
25. Nambli Narkur Budgam Plantation/Agri/Marshy/Habitation
26. Hokar Sar Budgam Plantation/Marshy/Habitation
27. Danda Rokhaw Budgam Marshy/Agriculture
Source: Directory of Lakes and Water Bodies. (2012). J&K.
The winged visitors from Central Asia and Europe start arriving Kashmir valley in lakhs towards the first week of November and the concentration of migratory birds will peak around first week of February. Kashmir presents migratory birds a comparatively hospitable alternate habitat compared to the extreme freezing conditions in their natural habitats in Siberia, China, Japan and other countries in northern hemisphere. Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Brahminy Duck, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon are some of the most sighted birds in the wetlands of Kashmir. It is reported that there are around 106 species of birds nestle in these wetlands, including 25 species of land birds which visit occasionally and several endangered species. Wildlife Warden, are blaming the Revenue Department for failing to take any preventive measures to save the wetlands. They feel helpless as Revenue Department is not providing them the details about the possession of the lands. Nothing is being done to sort out the issues with the locals who have encroached upon the land around the wetlands in the absence of proper records. Beautiful Valley of Kashmir is bestowed with large number of impressive wetlands like Haigam Rakh, Mirgund Wetland, Shalbug Wetland etc.
Hokersar – 13.75 Sq.Km: The Hokersar wetland, which was one known as the “Queen of Wetlands’ was recently in news for being on the brink of extinction due to encroachment activities. Hokersar Wetland in Kashmir is filled with the migratory birds who prey on fish and insects in this protected territory. Migratory birds start their annual sojourn here in early September and stay until mid-February or early March. Hokersar is an important refuge for migratory waterfowls, shorebirds and trans-Himalayan species during winters. It also acts as one of the major flood absorption basins. Hokersar has been declared as Conservation Reserve under the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. It was also declared as Ramsar site on November 8, 2005 under the Ramsar Convention. It has been reported that the open waters of the wetland have been colonized by the weeds and other aquatic vegetation. Some areas of the wetland that existed in 1969 have been converted into paddy fields. About 10 hectares of the wetland has been converted into built-up area. This wetland is on the brink of extinction as per various environmentalists.
Khushal Sar is Located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kahshmir. The Lake stretches from Zoonimar upto Aali Masjid and gets connected to Anchar Lake via small channel which is its primary outflow. Gilsar is also connected to khushal sar. Its maximum length according to authority of envis is 1.6 km (0.99 mi) and its maximum width is 0.6 km (0.37 mi), with surface elevation of 1,582 m (5,190 ft). It Starts with Gil kadal from its South side stretches to Hawal and Ali masjid road from west it starches to Geas yaar road where it stretches to Alijan road and from its east it gets connected to Anchar lake from the Nallah Bolajpur. Nadru being a large produce from Zadibal side on which people depend for there livelihood. Fishermen used to reside on the banks of this water body for catching the fishes which used to be there livelihood. The elders of area says there are about 7 springs around this wetland and also the source of water is from Gilsar which used to be crystal clear. They told about 1500 kanals is the estimated area of Khushal Sar lake as heard from Patwari.
Narkara – 3.25 Sq.Km: The Narkara Wetland in Kashmir receives its water supply from Doodhganga catchment and is surrounded by the paddy cultivation and willow plantation areas. It is observed that due to heavy encroachments, the considerable amount of marshy area has been converted into the solid land masses. Narkara wetland is the favorite habitat site for a number of water fowl species like Grelag goose, Ruddy shelduck, Pintail, Common teal, Mallard, Gadwal, Wigeon, Shoveller and Tufted duck. The population of migratory birds has reduced in winter season in last few decades.
Manibugh – 4.50 Sq.Km: Manibugh Wetland is located in Pampore Area of J&K. It was managed for organized shooting from November/ December till April. However this practise has been stopped from past few years as protection to the wetland and flora and fauna. At present it is spread over 2 square kilometres of land and marshes. It is the breeding ground and the meeting point of many birds. This wetland is at present characterized by low water levels since they are surrounded by cultivation areas which washes organic and inorganic constituents in wetland.
Chatlam – 0.25 Sq.Km: Chatlam Wetland in Kashmir valley was initially a game reserve, however now it is being maintained by the fisheries and fish farms. It is a spring fed wetland. The shores of this wetland are elevated due to the deposits of fine grained sand and loam. Migratory fowls are majorly found in these areas.
Mirgund- 4.00 sq.Km: Mirgund wetland in Kashmir is a shallow temporary wetland. The water supply for this wetland is Sukhna Nalla and other channels that are used to irrigate the adjacent paddy fields. The wetland is being extensively used for harvesting fodder and graing livestock. It has fluvial type of fresh water origin.
Shallabugh- 16.0 sq.km: This Wetland lies in District Ganderbal and its boders fall in the District Srinagar, Shalbhug, Phaet Koandal, Ghat, Takanwari, Bakchipora, Kraishbal, Badi weadir, Sangam are its sourrounded villages. According to Wildlife Department it has an area in (sq.Km) 1.00(1996 K)/99.81 ha, and is considered to be the largest of Wetlands. It is included in the Notified Wetlands, where Wildlife Department has authority over this Wetland. The Source of water is Anchar and Nallah-e- Sindh. Many water plants grow in this wetland ,Typha (peach) in kashmiri language grows in abundance, Many medicinal plants also grow in this Wetland waie- gandir, Woapayi, Dal masala, Bhumbh were famous among people. Fishes used to be in abundance which were utilized by locals. The level of water varies during Summer season water level is more than 3 Meters and during winters water level recedes. It is the habitation of tens of thousands of birds during Winter Season. Thus having an economic value and ecological value too. The main threat to the Wetland is its source, which was used to fill it with fresh water now has made it worst by getting with it, water which is contaminated with discharge of Medical waste (Chemicals ), emitted by the Hospital which is the biggest Hospital of the valley.
Hygam-7.25 sq. Km: Hygam Wetlands is one of the famous wetland areas in District Baramullal 30 kilometres from Srinagar. It has the 1400 hectares of land and the area is dominated with extensive reed beds. Hygam Wetlands drains into Wular Lake of Kashmir valley through Tarazoo. The main source of water is Nigle Nullah and Babakul. The area of Hygam Wetlands is used by waterfowls. The depth is 1 to 25 meters as it is located on the flood plains of Jhelum River of Jammu and Kashmir. Hygam Wetlands has dense settlements and the people in this area are dependent on reed business and fishery. The extensive reed boats help to allow the passage of the boats between the areas of open waters. It is the rich belt of birds of local and migratory origin and the fishes of all types that are easily available in Jammu and Kashmir. Strips of willows species have been planted around the perimeters of wetlands of Hygam. It is the most important for the national and international tourists for the rich source of natural beauty in the waters. Hygam Wetlands has the rich source of water lilies that allure one to have a photograph there. It is now a protected game sanctuary in J&K. The Kashmir valley has a large number of wetlands. However, their ecological and socio-economic values were rarely explored. Wetlands in Kashmir are currently facing multi-dimensional threats due to human encroachments and government apathy. Public awareness is an important factor in saving wetland of Kashmir. The details of wetlands of Kashmir are given in a research paper recently published (e.g., Dr. Shaikh Gh.Rasool, Dr. Bilal A. Bhat et al., 2019; Dr Bilal, 2020; Aliya Mehraj & Prof. Muni Parveen, 2021).
World Wetlands Day 2022: Every year on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is commemorated to promote awareness about the vital role of wetlands. The Day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. The celebration of World Wetlands Day in 2022 is especially significant, as the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317 on August 30, 2021, establishing February 2 as World Wetlands Day. Since the 1700s nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded, and wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. Yet, wetlands are vital ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, global economies, and more. The theme for 2022 is Wetlands Action for People and Nature, stressing the need of taking action to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for human and planetary health. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the health of our planet. Wetlands are vital for humans, for other ecosystems and for our climate. Wetland biodiversity matters for our health, our food supply, for tourism and for jobs. Wetlands often been referred to as the “Kidneys of the Earth” absorb carbon dioxide so help slow global heating and reduce pollution. Wetlands, though they cover only around 6 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, 40 per cent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. We need to protect our wetlands as they have importance in our lives and people should take a lead in this otherwise we are doomed.
(The authors are writing regularly on Environmental issues exclusively for “Kashmir Horizon” exclusively. Views are their own)