Bilal Habib
Pampore, December 19: A massive fire broke out in the dry grass at Chatlam Wetland in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday evening, sparking concern for the thousands of migratory birds that inhabit the area during winter.
Responding swiftly, teams from Fire and Emergency Services Pampore, the Wildlife Department led by Incharge Range Officer Imtiyaz Ahmad, and the Pampore Police headed by SHO Naiem Rasheed, reached the site to control the blaze.
The Chatlam Wetland, spread over 852 kanals, shelters nearly 50,000 migratory birds annually, including species such as Mallard, Gadwall, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Pintail, and Eurasian Wigeon. Officials estimate that over 20,000 migratory birds are currently present in other wetlands of Pampore, including Fashkoori, Krunchoo, and Mainbugh.
Local residents have urged strict action against those responsible for setting the grass ablaze, emphasizing the need to protect the wetlands and the wildlife they host. “Chatlam Wetland is home to thousands of migratory birds, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety,” one resident said.
Nadeem Qadri, an environmental lawyer at the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, commended Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, for actively monitoring the situation. “The Deputy Commissioner directed all allied departments to provide necessary support to extinguish the fire,” Qadri stated. He also mentioned that the Wildlife Department would prepare an assessment report to be submitted to the J&K Government for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Wildlife Department had already taken steps to enhance the protection of the wetlands, including 24×7 anti-poaching drives and plans to establish additional control rooms in the region. However, the incident has highlighted the urgent need for further safeguards.
The fire is now under control, but authorities continue to monitor the site to prevent any resurgence and assess the damage caused.
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