EPG leads joint inspection of Haigam wetland, stresses zero tolerance for violations

Srinagar, Apr 22: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), in coordination with legislators and officials from the Wildlife, Revenue, and Irrigation & Flood Control departments, conducted a joint site visit to Haigam Wetland Reserve, a Ramsar-designated site and an associated wetland of Wular Lake located along the Central Asian Flyway, to assess the status of conservation and management measures under the Integrated Action Plan.

The inspection team included MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA PattanRiyaz Ahmad Bhat, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Wildlife Warden Altaf Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Safia, and Executive Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Ramiz. The EPG delegation was led by its convenorFaizBakshi and included governing council members ErAjazRasool and Ghulam Rasool Bacha.

The visit was convened at the request of EPG-GCC member and environmental activist Aijaz Ahmad Dar. During the inspection, the team visited several areas, including Loolipora, GoleTaing, GojaBugh, HaariTaar, and HaigamRakh.

The exercise aimed to examine on-ground issues affecting the wetland, including ecological degradation, encroachments, water management challenges, weakening embankments, and habitat loss for both domestic and migratory birds. Restoration of the once-prominent Boog Jheel and development of an eco-tourism park on encroachment-free land at Ningli also figured in the discussions.

During a detailed interaction, EPG presented an overview of the wetland’s ecological significance, historical context, hydraulic characteristics, and the impact of anthropogenic pressures such as siltation, weed infestation, and solid waste accumulation.

MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone spent considerable time engaging with environmental activists, officials, and local residents to understand ground realities. He reiterated a “no-compromise policy” on wetland conservation while underlining the need to address the concerns of local communities dependent on the wetland for livelihood. He emphasised stakeholder consultation before finalising conservation plans and assured that the issue would be taken up with both the Jammu and Kashmir and central governments.

MLA Riyaz Ahmad Bhat echoed similar views, urging local residents to cooperate with authorities and highlighting the importance of sustainable livelihood avenues linked to the region’s natural resources.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive review of the issues identified, with a strong emphasis on zero tolerance towards any activity that compromises the ecological integrity of Haigam Wetland, a site of international importance and a key ecological asset of the region.