Srinagar, Apr 22 (KNO): The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has flagged severe siltation at the Hygam wetland in Baramulla's Sopore, stating that the 2014 floods left deep scars on the Ramsar site, calling for a comprehensive plan for its revival.
During a joint visit with legislators and officials, EPG convenor Faiz Bakhshi told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that large-scale silt deposits have accumulated over the years, affecting the wetland's health. He said a time-bound desilting plan is needed, along with diversion of Bal Koul and Ningli Nallah to prevent further silt inflow.
Governing council member Er Ajaz Rasool said the group has been monitoring the wetland and noted improvement on the ground. He said illegal sand extraction reported earlier has been stopped after intervention by authorities and local representatives. He said regular monitoring is needed to prevent any recurrence.
Ajaz said conservation efforts must cover the entire catchment area and called for a coordinated mechanism among departments. He suggested selective excavation in heavily silted patches, restoration of navigation channels, and better water management.
EPG member and activist Aijaz Dar said wetland protection is a shared responsibility. He said the lack of awareness has led to encroachments and degradation. Dar urged authorities to promote Hygam as an eco-tourism destination and to review the condition of other degraded water bodies in Kashmir.
The visiting team included MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, and MLA Pattan, Javed Riyaz Bedar, along with officials from the wildlife, forest, and irrigation departments. The legislators were briefed about ongoing and proposed conservation measures.
MLA Lone termed wetlands integral to Kashmir's identity and said sustained efforts will be made to restore Hygam. He said plans are being worked out to divert Ningli Nallah and Bal Koul to reduce siltation while ensuring that local livelihoods are protected.
"People will be taken on board in conservation efforts," he said and assured support for eco-friendly beautification works through constituency funds. The MLA added that eco-tourism initiatives will also be pushed to revive the wetland.
Earlier, as reported by KNO, Kashmir's wetlands attracted over 15 lakh feathered visitors, with the Ramsar-designated Hygam wetland in Sopore hosting the lion's share of more than 4 lakh birds.
Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, Tawheed Ahmed Deva, said they are taking sustained measures to conserve these habitats and ensure they continue to support biodiversity—(KNO)