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Kashmir’s wetlands are among its most valuable natural assets. They support birds, regulate water, recharge groundwater and provide livelihoods to communities. Yet many of these fragile ecosystems continue to face pressure from encroachment, construction, waste dumping and changes in land use.
The issue deserves urgent attention because wetlands cannot be treated as vacant land. A wetland may look like an unused patch of water or marsh, but it performs important work for the entire region. During heavy rainfall, wetlands absorb excess water and reduce pressure on surrounding settlements. They also help maintain the natural flow of water and support a wide range of plants, fish and migratory birds.
Encroachment slowly destroys these functions. When wetland areas are filled with soil, buildings or other structures, the natural water holding capacity declines. The consequences may become visible during floods and periods of heavy rainfall. What appears to be a small illegal occupation today can become a serious environmental and public safety problem tomorrow.
Kashmir has already seen the consequences of the shrinking and degradation of its water bodies. Wetlands such as Hokersar, Hygam and Shallabugh need consistent protection, proper management and regular monitoring. Legal protection on paper means little if violations continue unchecked.
The administration must make the demarcation of wetland boundaries a priority. Every protected wetland should have clearly identified boundaries that are visible on the ground and recorded through updated digital maps. Any fresh construction or filling activity within protected areas should trigger immediate action.
There is also a need for accountability. Encroachment should not become a matter that authorities address only after a crisis. Regular inspections, public reporting systems and time bound removal of illegal structures can help prevent the problem from becoming permanent.
At the same time, people living around wetlands need to be part of the solution. Many communities depend on these areas for agriculture, fishing and other activities. Conservation measures should therefore consider legitimate local needs while firmly preventing activities that permanently damage wetland ecosystems.
Kashmir’s wetlands belong to future generations as much as they belong to us. Once a wetland is filled, built over or heavily polluted, restoring it can be extremely difficult and expensive.
The choice before the administration is clear. Wetlands must be treated as protected ecological infrastructure, not as land waiting for development.
Kashmir can protect its wetlands through stronger enforcement, better planning and community participation. What is needed now is sustained action before more wetland areas disappear.
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