Hokersar Wetland

Context: Due to reduced rainfall, the arrival of migratory birds to Kashmir’s Hokersar wetland has been impacted.

About Hokersar Wetland

• Location: Situated in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Hokersar is fondly known as the “Queen Wetland of Kashmir.”
• Conservation Status:
  • It was first designated a conservation reserve under the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1978.
  • Recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2005.
  • It is part of India’s National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
• Natural Features:
  • Hokersar is a natural, perennial wetland that connects to the Jhelum River basin.
  • It receives water from the Doodhganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum, and is the largest bird reserve in the Kashmir Valley.
• Ecological Importance:
  • It serves as the only site in Kashmir with intact reedbeds, supporting water purification and flood control by filtering pollutants and absorbing excess water.
  • Hokersar is a migration pathway for 68 species of waterfowl, including notable species like the little cormorant, common shelduck, large egret, and great crested grebe.

Importance of Reedbeds: Reedbeds, typically found in wetland habitats, play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and managing floodwater through natural filtration.