The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed deep concern and anguish over the abrupt, unscientific release of water from the Hokersar Wetland by the Wildlife Department and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department. This action has caused the water level—normally maintained at 4 to 5 feet—to plummet, drying out large portions of the wetland and inflicting severe ecological damage.

The most immediate impact is a grave threat to nearly 10,000 breeding birds currently inhabiting Hokersar. Many of these are newly hatched and unable to fly or relocate. With their habitat drained, these vulnerable birds now face death by exposure and starvation—marking a distressing ecological emergency.

Hokersar, a Ramsar-declared wetland of international significance, is protected under international treaties that mandate its conservation. This reckless water release violates not only those global commitments but also the directives of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, the National Green Tribunal, and the Supreme Court of India. These bodies had ordered all state and UT governments to complete comprehensive ground-truthing of wetlands by March 31, 2025. Yet, the status of this process in Jammu & Kashmir remains unclear, despite the deadline having passed.

Credible reports received by EPG suggest that the water was deliberately released to benefit illegal paddy cultivators encroaching upon Hokersar’s land. These encroachers, allegedly shielded by political patronage, require lower water levels to sustain their activities—activities that not only break the law but undermine public faith in environmental governance.

The EPG has long championed the protection of Hokersar and was instrumental in advocating for the construction of controlled inlet and outlet gates to manage water levels sustainably. The government had sanctioned ₹45 crore for this purpose. However, the apparent misuse of this infrastructure by vested interests now threatens both ecological integrity and public investment.

This crisis comes amid a broader environmental emergency in Kashmir—marked by erratic weather, glacial melt, rising temperatures, and growing water scarcity. Wetlands like Hokersar are not only biodiversity hubs but also act as vital flood regulators and sources of livelihood through sustainable harvesting of nadru (lotus stem), water chestnuts, and other aquatic produce. Tampering with these ecosystems is both environmentally and economically disastrous.

What makes matters worse is the silence of elected representatives from the affected areas. Their inaction in the face of visible ecological devastation is deeply troubling.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the Environmental Policy Group has formally appealed for urgent intervention from Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Shri Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami (Chairman, House Committee on Forest & Environment), the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, and the Commissioner/Secretary of the Forest & Environment Department.

The EPG has demanded the following actions:

• Immediate closure of the outlet gates to restore water levels.
• A high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the water release.
• Decisive action against those responsible for illegal encroachments and misuse of protected land.

Photographic and video documentation highlighting the extent of wetland damage and the suffering of birdlife has also been submitted to relevant authorities.

The Environmental Policy Group reiterates its commitment to safeguarding Hokersar and all wetlands across Jammu & Kashmir, and urges swift government action to prevent further environmental degradation.