The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Apr 22: the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), in coordination with two senior legislators and officials from the Wildlife, Revenue, and Irrigation & Flood Control Departments, conducted a joint site visit to Haigam Wetland Reserve—a Ramsar-designated wetland and an associated ecosystem of Wular Lake located along the Central Asian Flyway. The visit aimed to assess the status of conservation and management measures under the Integrated Conservation and Management Action Plan.
The inspection team included MLA Wagoora–Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Pattan Riyaz Ahmad Bedar, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Wildlife Warden Kashmir Altaf Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Safia, and Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Ramiz Ahmad.
The EPG delegation was led by Convenor Faiz Bakshi and included Governing Council members Er. Ajaz Rasool and Ghulam Rasool Bacha. The visit was convened at the request of EPG-GCC member and noted environmental and social activist Aijaz Ahmad Dar.
During the day-long exercise, the team visited Loolipora, Gole Taing, Gojabugh, Haari Taar, and Haigam Rakh to examine on-ground challenges affecting the wetland. Key issues reviewed included deterioration of the ecosystem, encroachments, water management concerns, weakening embankments, habitat loss for resident and migratory birds, restoration of the erstwhile Boog Jheel, and the proposed development of an eco-tourism park on 100 kanal of retrieved land at Ningli.
The EPG presented a detailed overview covering the wetland’s ecological significance, historical context, hydraulic parameters, and major threats such as siltation, weed infestation, anthropogenic pressures, and solid waste accumulation.
MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone spent a significant part of the visit interacting with environmental activists, officials, local residents, and members of the accompanying team to assess the ground situation. He underscored a “no-compromise” policy on wetland conservation while emphasising the need to address the concerns of long-time residents dependent on the wetland for their livelihoods. He called for stakeholder consultations prior to finalising conservation plans and assured that no action detrimental to the wetland would be permitted. He further stated that the matter would be taken up with both the Jammu & Kashmir and Central governments, urging officials to expedite conservation efforts with a comprehensive approach.
MLA Pattan Riyaz Ahmad Bedar echoed these views and urged local communities to cooperate with authorities for the resolution of longstanding issues. He stressed the importance of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents from the natural resources of the area, recognising their legitimate stake.
The visit concluded with a detailed review of the issues identified, with a firm emphasis on zero tolerance for any activity that compromises the conservation of Haigam Wetland—an internationally recognised Ramsar site and a vital ecological identity of the region.
