Shallabugh Wetland

Shallabugh Wetland
Bird Watch Tower at Shallabugh Wetland
Map showing the location of Shallabugh Wetland
Map showing the location of Shallabugh Wetland
Shallabugh
Location of Shallabugh in Jammu and Kashmir
LocationShallabugh, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Nearest citySrinagar city
Coordinates34°09′42″N 74°43′27″E / 34.16167°N 74.72417°E / 34.16167; 74.72417
Area1,675 hectares (4,140 acres)
Governing bodyJammu & Kashmir Department of Wildlife Protection
Designated8 June 2022
Reference no.2488[1]

The Shallabugh Wetland is located in Shallabugh Sherpathri area of district Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India.[2] The Shallabugh Wetland, which spreads over 1,675 hectares (16.75 km2), is a designated bird sanctuary.[3][4]

Geography

Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve is located to Anchar Lake, which is located at the west end of the Sindh river delta and plays an essential role in the local aquatic ecosystems by relying on diverse water sources., it forms a significant habitat for diverse bird species.[5] Together with the nearby Ramsar Site Hosker Wetland, these areas create an important ecological landscape.[6]

The wetland serves as a crucial resource for the local community. It support fisheries, provides clean water, manages flooding, and is a carbon sink. However, it faces a pressing threat in the form of excessive siltation, endangering its unique ecological characteristics.[7]

Access

There are two main routes to access Shallabugh Wetland:

Located about 8 km from Ganderbal town, this route includes a 1 km pedestrian walkway leading directly to the wetland. It is ideal for walkers, birdwatchers, and local visitors.

  • Vehicle Route via Takenwari (from Srinagar):

This route comes straight from Srinagar and is approximately 15 km long. It is motorable and commonly used by eco-tourists and officials visiting the wetland.

References

  1. ^ "Shallabugh Wetland". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  2. ^ Javeed, Auqib (19 August 2022). "Experts Welcome Addition Of 2 More Kashmir Wetlands To Ramsar Sites". Kashmir Observer. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  3. ^ "J&K's largest wildlife protected wetland to get eco-tourism boost". Hindustan Times. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  4. ^ Rafiyah, Syeda. "Shallabugh wetland turns into parched pasture". risingkashmir.com. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  5. ^ "Shallabugh Wetland Grows as Eco-Tourism Spot, Urges Collective Conservation". Kashmir Life. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  6. ^ "Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve | Ramsar Sites Information Service". rsis.ramsar.org. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  7. ^ Raina, Irfan (13 February 2023). "2-day bird festival commences at Shallabugh wetland in Ganderbal". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 20 December 2023.