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Journalism of Courage
Since the first week of November, over two lakh migratory winter birds from Siberia, North Europe, China and Central Asia have visited the Hokersar wetland reserve, 12 km from Srinagar. ‘‘We are certain of getting four lakh birds,’’ Regional Wildlife Warden Mian Javeed said.
That’s a slight increase from last year when Hokersar got 3.50 lakh birds despite sluggish migration in initial weeks. Approximately three lakh birds, mainly Common Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Gadwall, Wigeon, Coot, Greylag Goose, Shoveller, Red Crested Pochard and White-Eyed Pochard, touch Hokera every year. They come around early September and stay till Spring.
Javeed says water management at Hokera had ensured that despite a prolonged dry spell, the wetland retained water and hence managed to attract a record number of birds again this year. Officials hope population at other water-bodies would swell too once food becomes scarce at Hokera.
The Wildlife Dept is planning to have an anti-poaching team this year for night vigils and ring wetlands from vulnerable points. Already, several people have been booked under the Wildlife Act and weapons confiscated from them.
