Srinagar, April 22: A joint team led by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), senior legislators, and officials from Wildlife, Revenue, and Irrigation departments conducted a detailed site inspection of Haigam Wetland Reserve—a Ramsar-designated site linked to Wular Lake along the Central Asian Flyway—to assess ongoing conservation and management efforts.

The delegation included MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Pattan Riyaz Ahmad Bedar, and key officials from wildlife and irrigation departments. Led by EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi, the team visited multiple zones including Looli Pora, Gole Taing, Goja Bugh, Haari Taar, and Haigham Rakh.

The visit focused on critical challenges such as encroachment, siltation, water mismanagement, embankment degradation, habitat loss, and solid waste accumulation. Restoration of the historic Boog Jheel and plans for an eco-tourism park on reclaimed land at Ningli were also reviewed.

During deliberations, EPG presented a comprehensive overview of the wetland’s ecological significance and threats. MLA Lone emphasized a strict “no-compromise” approach to conservation while acknowledging the livelihood concerns of local communities. He assured that wetland protection would be prioritized at both Union Territory and central government levels, with stakeholder consultation integral to planning.

MLA Bedar echoed these views, urging community cooperation and highlighting sustainable livelihood opportunities tied to the wetland’s natural resources.

The visit concluded with a strong call for zero tolerance toward any activity harming the wetland, reaffirming its status under the Ramsar Convention and its ecological and cultural importance to the region.