Explanation:

Recently, some 10-20 new or rare species of migratory birds have been witnessed in the region among lakhs of migratory birds that have arrived in the wetlands and lakes of Kashmir

The valley received widespread snowfall in December and January attracting the winged guests from Europe and Central Asia who keep their date with the Himalayan region by and large every winter.

More than 3.5 lakh birds are currently present at Srinagar’s biggest wetland, Hokersar while the number will be 2.5 lakh at Hygam wetland in north Kashmir’s Baramulla.

Last winter the water level at Hokersar reduced to alarming levels owing to excavation of a flood channel drying up a large part of the wetland.

Presently, the valley has nine wetlands out of the total 13 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shalbough, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is the biggest wetland spread over 16 sq km while Hokersar on the city outskirts is around 13.5km and Hygam wetland in north Kashmir is spread across 9km. Chatlam wetland is in south Kashmir’s Pampore.