Kashmir is home to some of the most ecologically significant wetlands in South Asia. These wetlands—such as Hokersar, Wular Lake, Shalabugh, and Mirgund—play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating water flow, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. However, rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change are pushing these fragile ecosystems to the brink of collapse. If urgent action is not taken, Kashmir’s wetlands could soon become a thing of the past, with devastating consequences for both people and wildlife. One of the biggest threats to our wetlands is unchecked urban expansion. Wetlands, often viewed as wastelands, are being encroached upon for residential and commercial development. The Hokersar wetland, once a thriving stopover for thousands of migratory birds, has shrunk alarmingly due to construction and waste dumping. Similarly, Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, has lost nearly half of its surface area over the years due to siltation and encroachments. Pollution is another major challenge. Sewage from nearby settlements, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste are choking the wetlands, leading to a decline in water quality and biodiversity. Pesticides and fertilizers from surrounding farmlands seep into the wetlands, poisoning the water and making it uninhabitable for fish and aquatic plants. Invasive species like water hyacinth have also spread aggressively, suffocating native vegetation and reducing oxygen levels in the water. Climate change is exacerbating the situation by altering rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures. Reduced snowfall in Kashmir’s mountains has led to lower water inflows into the wetlands, causing them to dry up during summers. Extreme weather events, such as heavy floods or prolonged droughts, further destabilize these delicate ecosystems. The loss of wetlands is not just an environmental issue but a socio-economic crisis as well. Thousands of people depend on these water bodies for fishing, farming, and tourism. With declining fish populations and reduced water availability, many families are losing their livelihoods. Moreover, wetlands act as natural flood barriers, absorbing excess water and preventing disasters like the devastating 2014 Kashmir floods. To save Kashmir’s wetlands, strong conservation measures must be implemented. First, authorities must strictly enforce laws to prevent encroachment and illegal construction. Secondly, waste management systems should be improved to prevent pollution from choking these ecosystems. Additionally, local communities should be actively involved in conservation efforts, with incentives provided for sustainable practices. Lastly, afforestation around wetlands and dredging operations should be undertaken to restore their natural depth and water-holding capacity. Kashmir’s wetlands are not just ecological assets but a lifeline for the region. Protecting them is not an option—it is a necessity. The time to act is now.