Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 23: Flagging official inaction, the J&K Climate Action Group (JKCAG) today urged authorities to deploy drone surveillance at the Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The group warned that the Ramsar site’s ecological health is “deteriorating rapidly” due to unchecked illegal activities.
The group said breaches have already been created in the embankments of the wetland and Nallah Kanihama “due to heavy machinery used for illegal extraction.”
JKCAG said drone technology should be used for round-the-clock monitoring to curb illegal encroachment, waste dumping, sand and clay mining, and poaching of migratory birds.
In this regard, a team of JKCAG, led by environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, visited Hygam Wetland and appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to immediately halt illegal sand and clay mining around Hygam Rakh.
“Authorities, including the Department of Wildlife Protection and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, have failed to ensure proper maintenance of this vital waterbody,” Dr. Muzaffar said.
“Illegal mining is happening in broad daylight near Hygam Rakh. Embankments have been damaged, and the wetland is shrinking. Drone surveillance can ensure constant vigil and accountability.”
The group added that despite repeated visits and warnings by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) over the years, the concerns have gone unaddressed.
Senior members of the Central Auqaf Committee Tarzoo Sopore, including Ajaz Ahmad Dar and Abdul Subhan Rather, District Chairman JKCAG Pulwama Ajaz Sofi, and noted multimedia journalist Bilal Dar from Sopore accompanied the team during the visit to Hygam Rakh and Gohal Tengpora, where large-scale extraction has been alleged.
“Siltation through Bal Kul, pollution, and encroachments are severely reducing the wetland’s carrying capacity and harming its flora and fauna. Migratory birds are no longer seen,” said Ajaz Ahmad Dar.
“A contractor permitted to lift muck only for 15 days – from November 18 to December 1, 2025 – is instead looting and selling it on the black market. We demand strict action against the culprits.”
The group reiterated its appeal to DC Baramulla to intervene to protect one of Kashmir’s most significant wetlands.
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