ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT STATUS AND THREATS TO IMPORTANT WETLANDS IN KASHMIR VALLEY

Abstract

Wetlands are the most diverse, dynamic, productive, and ecologically sensitive ecosystems on the planet. The Kashmir Himalayas are endowed with a plethora of beautiful wetlands. These wetlands play an important role in regulating ecosystem services such as fresh water supplies, food products, fisheries, water purification, harbour biodiversity, and regional climate regulation. These are also important as socioeconomic support systems for people and as habitats for migratory birds that visit Kashmir valley from all over the world. These wetlands are degrading at an alarming rate as a result of increased anthropogenic activities and anthropogenically driven changes in natural processes, threatening their health and water quality. Pollution, changes in land use and land cover, urbanisation and encroachment, and climate change are the major threats to wetlands. Over the last few decades, intensive agricultural practises, the introduction of exotic species, and changes in hydrological flows have resulted in the degradation of wetlands throughout this region. Wetland management is critical because these ecosystems provide a variety of ecological functions that support livelihoods all over the world. The current study examines the status of important wetlands in Kashmir and the threats they face.