Shallabugh Wetland dries up, migratory birds absent

SRINAGAR — The Shallabugh Wetland in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, once a haven for migratory birds, has dried up completely, leaving no water for these birds to thrive in.

This alarming situation has raised concerns among environmentalists and politicians, including Congress leader Saifuddin Soz. Soz expressed his distress over the dry wetland, stating that it is heartbreaking to see no water and no migratory birds.

Usually, the Kashmir Valley welcomes around 5-12 lakh migratory birds from Russia, China, Siberia and Eastern Europe during the winter season. These birds flock to various lakes and protected wetlands, including Hokersar, Hygam, Prichal, Shallabugh, Chatlam, Fashkoori, Manibugh, Krenchoo, Wular and Dal, where they feed and breed. However, this year’s low rainfall and massive encroachments of waterbodies have led to the Shallabugh Wetland’s demise.

Soz, while speaking to the news agency KNT, said that the absence of migratory birds at Shallabugh Wetland is a stark contrast to the usual scene, where over a million migratory birds arrive in Kashmir’s wetlands every year.

He said the situation demands immediate attention and action from authorities to restore the wetland to its former glory.