Migratory birds arrive at Shalbugh Wetland; garbage remains concern

Umar Raina
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26 Nov 2025

Ganderbal, Nov 26: Many migratory birds have arrived at the Shalbugh Wetland in central Kashmir, attracting eco-tourism. However, garbage from nearby villages is posing environmental challenges. Block Forest Officer Ejaz Ahmad Rather said that birds come to Shalbugh from countries like Siberia, the Philippines, China, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. “Right now, about 40,000 to 50,000 birds are here. More birds will come soon,” he said. He said the dry weather in the last month has reduced the water in the Sindh stream and Khushal Sar, which supply water to the wetland. “Even then, the wetland still has about 90% water, which is helping the birds,” he said. However, Rather said that waste and garbage coming from nearby villages are a big problem. “It harms the birds and the wetland,” he added. The department is doing anti-plastic drives and cleaning the area regularly. The officer further said illegal encroachments have been present for many years, but now the department is removing them. A desilting project has been started after talking to local people. Birds stay in Shalbugh from late October to March. The wetland is a Ramsar site and covers 16.75 sq km (1675 hectares). The department has staff patrolling the wetland. “We are watching the area from all sides. Two cases have already been filed. Anyone breaking rules will face legal action,” Rather said.