Hokersar wetland
<p>The Hokersar wetland is the largest bird reserve in the Kashmir valley, and yet it seems to have recently faced dire threats as the irrigation department drained it against scientific logic. Situated in the Jhelum River basin, it has shrunk from 14 sq. km. to a mere six kilometres, losing an area more than half its size! This is mainly on account of siltation, conversion of peripheral mud-flanks into paddy fields, and other anthropogenic activities. Unfortunately once deemed, “the queen of wetlands,” Hokersar seems to have lost her crown. Thousands of migratory birds like these Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Tufted Ducks, and Common Pochards once blanketed the Hokersar wetland. Other waterfowl including grebes, moorhens, and waders galore such as herons, egrets and sandpipers have been recorded from here.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Photo: Mohammad Shams.</span></strong></p>
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