When we speak of ecology and environmental security, a number of factors come up for consideration. It is an admitted fact that ecological environs are encroached upon and we are creating conditions that could unfortunately lead to some disaster. It is dangerous to tamper with the nature and change ecological setting in a manner that it results in critical situations. Wetlands are a natural phenomenon that has remained stay put for hundreds of years. People would not do anything to destroy their pristine purity. Lakes, steams, ponds, marshlands, wetlands etc, all have their charm. The wetlands and marshlands are generally the summer or winter resorts of birds of various variety. They have been flying thousands of miles in huge flocks and settling down on identified wetlands to fend for themselves. It is a treat to see these birds in multi colours adding very attractive picture to the wetlands. And when greedy human beings encroach upon these wetlands the birds and the wild life are deprived of their right to the sanctuaries. At times wanton people inflict torture on birds by depriving them of their food and rest which is not acceptable to a civilized society.
The Gharana wetland in Jammu was once known for its charm and allurement to birds coming from as far a place as Siberia in Russia. Owing to harsh winter and lack of food in snow bound areas, the flocks of the birds colourful and capricious would settle down in late autumn and winter months to feed on insects and vegetation available in the wetland. Owing to encroachment by the villagers these wetlands are shrinking fast. The number of birds coming to spend the winter there is getting reduced. The remedy was that the wetlands should have been demarcated by a joint team of Revenue, Wild life, Environment and Forest Departments and the boundaries drawn finally so that nobody from among neighbouring villagers would venture to make encroachment. It is strange why the Revenue Department has not been able to make any demarcation of these wetlands and marshes and thus stop the villagers from spoiling the ecology and environs. Perhaps the Revenue Department needs to be told that this falls within their jurisdiction and it should deploy a responsible team to handle the issue. As far as our information goes there are about 1200 wetlands which need to be protected and saved from encroachment. It is sad that even till date conservation and preservation authority for these wetlands has not been constituted.
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