Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, October 13: The Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K, in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Fund, organised an event to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2025 at the famous Manibugh Wetland Reserve in Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The celebration marked the arrival of migratory birds to the scenic wetlands of Pampore and aimed to raise awareness about the significance of wetland conservation and the protection of avian biodiversity.
Environmental Lawyer Advocate Nadeem Qadri, Officials from the Department of Wildlife, local residents, and students actively participated in the event. The participants emphasized the ecological importance of wetlands as crucial habitats for migratory birds and called for collective efforts to preserve these natural treaures.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Environmental Lawyer Advocate Nadeem Qadri said that World Migratory Bird Day is being celebrated across the globe with the aim of highlighting the importance of wetlands and bird habitats. He said that these special areas, known for attracting migratory birds, welcome guests from Central Asia, China, and Siberia, and it is a matter of pride that Pampore, a beautiful town, is home to six wetlands.
He explained that four wetlands are already under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Department, while the Meej wetland is being added as the fifth, and another one at Yashnamal will become the sixth. “Pampore is the only town in the region with six wetlands,” he said.
In this connection, a programme was organized at Mainibugh Pampore Wetland Reserve, where students from different villages studying at Nature School participated. The main purpose of the event was to spread awareness about migratory birds, to welcome them, and to help children understand the importance of wetlands.
Advocate Qadri said that while some policymakers consider these areas as wastelands, in reality, they serve as the homes of migratory birds that arrive here during winter and return to their native regions, such as Central Asia, in April following a well-defined flyway route.
“To mark this occasion, we invited Chief Advisor Prof. G.M. Bhat to chair the open nature walk, which was joined by members of the Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Department staff, and Nature Office staff,” he said.
He added that the idea is to inculcate a culture of nature and conservation among children and to promote Pampore as an international birding destination.
“We are making continuous efforts, but we want the government to take serious steps toward developing, protecting, and conserving these wetlands. The Hon’ble High Court has also given directions in this regard. We want more schoolchildren to participate in such activities, and we are always ready to host open programmes and nature walks,” Advocate Qadri said.
He emphasized that Pampore should be developed as an eco-tourism destination, which would not only provide livelihood opportunities to local youth but also give students global exposure to bird watching, the ecosystem, and the importance of wetlands.
Comments are closed.