SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: One of the famous wetlands of the Asia subcontinent located on Srinagar-Baramulla Highway known as ‘Hokarsar , which hosts more than half a million migratory birds from different countries of the world every yaer, is now on the verge of extinction due to negligence of Government as well as selfishness of people, living in nearby areas.
Spreading over hundreds of Kanals, Hokarsar was once the most preferable and attractive place for migratory birds as well as tourists.
Once being the best tourist attraction for tourists, it has now turned into a stinky and marshy land.
According to experts it was one of the largest wetland spreading over hundreds of kanals which fell prey to locals as well as authorities.
Hokarsar was major attraction for migratory birds as well as tourist destination before two decades, but is now on the way of destruction due to encroachment and garbage dumping.
“Two decades back when the birds used to came here, it attracted numerous tourists. It was a source of livelihood for many people in the vicinity,” said local people, who are witness to the deteriorating conditions of the wetland.
They also recalled the devastations of 2014 flood which filled it with slit, further worsening the situation.
However department of irrigation and flood control Kashmir has started a mega projects to restore glory of Hokarsar and, for this purpose department has dug a channel in middle of wetland, which proved as a major destructive point for this wetland. Now Hokarsar is dry and look seems like a worlds famous wetland. This so called revival and developmental project lead wet land on destructive path and now it has become a safe shelter for only stray dogs.
For reality check STATE TIMES correspondent contacted the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Naresh Kumar, who confirmed that it is a fact that Jammu and Kashmir administration is very keen to revive the glory of all the wet lands, who have lost their glory due to one or other aspects, and for this purpose, a budget of Rs 16 to 17 crore has been estimated for Hokarsar. Department is trying to get this funds soon so that work can be completed in the next six months, he added.
The condition of this wetland is so miserable that one can fall ill while going through the water. It stinks badly and the filth of dozens of villages and areas that gathered during the into it during 2014 floods, has aggravated the situation.
On enquiring about the concern of the experts and locals regarding the current situation of the Hokarsar wetland, the Chief Engineer admitted that at present Hokarsar wetland has completely dried up as the channel has been dug for betterment of the wetland, adding that those, who seems to be very concerned about this wetland are themselves responsible for poor condition of wetland .
“Locals dump garbage along the wetland,” he said adding that department is trying to construct gates and other structural work and awaiting project money, which would be released soon.
According to official data the wetland spread over 13.75 sq km including lake and marshy area is the most accessible and well-known among Kashmir’s wetlands among Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund.
The Chief Engineer expressed concerned that the size of the wetland has been significantly reduced which should be the first thing to protect.
The locals believe that if the government will develop the wetland, it can emerge as a attraction for all those tourists who travel to Gulmarg and other tourist places in Valley. Local further said that due to shrinking agriculture land and growing urbanization, the economy of the valley has drastically fallen. “There are no job opportunities for the youth especially in current COVID situation. The majority of the youth are sitting idle due to present situation . If tourists are attracted towards the Hokersar, we may get employment.” they added.