Harjinder Singh
If subsistence and livelihood is the core issue for the people then talks of environment, scenic beauty and aesthetics become more or less meaningless. In such like situations all the stakeholders seem to be justified for their approach and action. A proactive Government approach can help maximum to deal with such situations provided it has the propensity to do so.
Gharana wetland is also suffering from this malady.This wetland is surrounded by agriculture lands. It is very natural for the migratory birds to feed on the adjoining crops. But it is equally natural for the farmers to feel the heat of crop damage. For them, crops are more important than these birds. Whether the birds are migratory or local, crop grower first priority is to protect the crops.
In such a scenario we can’t ignore the farmer but what about the birds. Can we ignore them? Have they no right to visit Gharana year after year. Are they not doing this activity under nature’s scheme of things?
Is it not the question of their survival? In this situation, is it not the govt. responsibility to step in and manage the situation? Govt. may say that Wild Life Department is there to manage the wetland and take necessary measures. But what is actually happening on the ground is there for everybody to see. Wetland area is shrinking due to encroachments. Visiting birds’ number is decreasing every year. Farmers are not happy. And situation is getting from bad to worse. So what is the way out?
This issue demands a serious consideration on the part of the govt. But why the government only, the people of this region will be neglecting their duty if they keep on ignoring this wetland which is of immense importance to them. It is really a sorry state of affairs that people are not awakened and are least interested in their environment.
Already most of the wetlands have been eaten away by human greed and it is the dire need to save the remaining few. Jammu district has no place as an ideal tourist spot worth the name. It is the right time for them to act. They need to press the govt. hard. Their representatives also seem oblivious of their duties. If developed on scientific lines this wetland surrounded by a Zoo can become an attraction for national as well as international tourists.
I firmly believe if the govt. has the inclination to handle this issue with utmost sincerity then it should not be that difficult as it has been made out to be. The govt. should involve all the stakeholders and take the possession of whole of the area belonging to this wetland and acquire sufficient surrounding area as well. This area be declared as a Wild Life Reserve. The people should be suitably compensated for their lands and other means of livelihood. Those interested should be involved with the development activities of the Reserve and allotted on priority basis, the shops, restaurants, hotels and other utilities after developing the area as a tourist spot. Now the question arises where the money, to meet the infrastructural cost, will come from?
As said above if we have the strong urge to get the things done the things start falling in place. J&K govt. can submit the well-designed Wetland and Zoo project to govt. of India for World Bank funding and then follow it vigorously. There is no dearth of money. Only the will to perceive and act is required. A number of projects are already being funded by international agencies. Govt. can also involve other social and non-government organizations. It is the right that people of entire Jammu region should come forward and materialize the Gharana wetland project as a tourist spot of national and international fame. This will definitely give a big boost to the economy of the area.
(The author is former DFO)
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