Hokersar wetland, a bird paradise, being developed as eco-tourism destination
SRINAGAR: : Jammu and Kashmir government is developing the Hokersar wetland in Srinagar as an eco-tourism destination as it attracts lakhs of migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and northern Europe during winter providing breath-taking sights to visitors.
The wetland on the Srinagar’s outskirts with its vast waterways, marshes and vegetation is the biggest in the city and the second biggest in the Kashmir valley. The officials aim to attract more tourists and nature and bird lovers, though in a regulated manner.
“Hokersar is a winter wonderland and bird paradise. Some 4 lakh birds visited here this winter season. We already had plans for its development and now we intend to open it as an eco-spot for tourists as well,” said Ifshan Dewan, Kashmir’s wildlife warden wetlands. Travelling from the colder areas of the world flying over continents in flocks, birds like mallards, greylag geese, pochards, common tails, shoveler and pintail annually visit the region in winter. This year the bird watchers saw new species like waders, also called shorebirds and white-fronted geese. Kashmir has some 400 water bodies of which the officials and avian watchers observe the birds in some 25 big and notified water bodies.
“Eco-tourism is a good thing. It will help in revenue generation which will help in development of the wetland. But we should be cautious of non-biodegradable wastes and poaching. We need it well regulated and properly watched over,” said Gowhar Meraj, a researcher of environmental sciences.