Srinagar, Feb 01 (KNO): As a part of awareness and conservation efforts to preserve the wetlands of Kashmir, the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the Wular Conservation & Management Authority, is conducting a cycling event, ‘Paddle for Wetland Conservation’ on Sunday.
The event, as per the officials, is part of awareness for this year’s World Wetlands Day that falls on 2 Feb 2025. The event aims to raise awareness about the wetlands in the region.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the cycling event will begin at the Hokersar Gate at 9 AM and proceed to the Narbal crossing before returning to the starting point.
Following the cycling event, participants will embark on a walk towards the Hokersar wetland, culminating in a pledge-taking ceremony to reinforce commitments toward wetland conservation.
Officials said that in preparation for the event, extensive cleanliness drives have been conducted throughout the past week across multiple wetlands.
“These efforts, carried out twice a day, have focused on clearing solid and floating waste from the wetland areas. NGOs, local volunteers, and other stakeholders have actively participated in these initiatives to ensure the wetland remains ecologically viable,” the official said.
Notably, the department also hosted a bird photography competition, inviting nature enthusiasts and photographers to visit designated wetlands across Kashmir and capture stunning avian moments between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on 1 Feb 2025.
Participants were asked to explore Shallabugh, Hokersar, Pampore, Hygam, and Wular Wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity and serve as crucial habitats for migratory birds.
The officials said that this initiative aligns with the global theme of "Ecosystem Restoration" under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, highlighting the importance of wetland conservation for ecological balance and sustainable futures—(KNO)