Srinagar, Sep 17: The dispute over the demarcation of Hokarsar wetland is set to come before the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, with Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi saying he will raise the issue during the upcoming session after his proposal was accepted by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

Speaking at a press conference at the PDP office in Budgam, Mehdi said the demarcation issue affecting areas including Soibugh, Dharmuna and Hajibagh needed to be resolved on priority. He alleged that the demarcation exercise had extended the wetland boundary into private properties and said people possessing revenue records were being left uncertain about the status of their land.
Mehdi said the department should not take over private property where landowners possess valid revenue documents. He questioned why people were being kept in uncertainty despite having documentary records relating to their land.
The MLA also raised concerns over the functioning of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, alleging that water spill gates are kept closed, resulting in water entering paddy fields and damaging crops. He sought accountability over the management of water levels in and around the wetland.
Mehdi said the issue should not be reduced to a dispute between conservation and private ownership, arguing that a clear and technically sound demarcation was necessary to settle the status of land claimed by affected people.
The issue has already been under administrative examination. In February 2026, the Budgam administration reviewed the progress of Hokarsar's demarcation, including field verification, boundary assessment, geo-referenced mapping and the availability of revenue and other records. Officials were directed to expedite the exercise and ensure accurate and dispute-free demarcation.
In August, Mehdi also raised the issue with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, specifically referring to people in Dharmuna, Soibugh, Goripora, Gotpora, Choorpora, Sozeith, Hajibagh and adjoining areas. The Divisional Commissioner reportedly assured him that the demarcation would be carried out transparently and that the legitimate interests of affected communities would not be compromised.
The dispute has significance beyond individual land claims because Hokarsar is a designated Ramsar wetland and an important habitat for migratory birds. Earlier official records submitted before the National Green Tribunal have also documented attempts at encroachment and earth-filling around the wetland, as well as action against such activity.
Mehdi said he would seek a resolution in the Assembly so that the demarcation issue could receive a formal and lasting resolution. The Assembly discussion is expected to bring the disputed boundaries, revenue records and concerns over water management into legislative scrutiny.