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e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com ‘SHALLABUGH WETLAND’ A KEYSTONE IN KASHMIRS ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE Faisal Farooq*1, Ifra Farooq*2 *1,2S.S.M College Of Engineering & Technology Patan Baramulla, India. ABSTRACT Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tides doesn’t exceed 6 meters. Records says that there are 29 wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir states before 5 August 2019. The Shallabugh wetland is located in Shallabugh Sherpathri area of district Ganderbal (Jammu & Kashmir). The Shallabugh wetland falls within the Ganderbal district and covers 16.75 square kilometres. The Shallbugh wetland conservation Reserve lies west of Anchar lake, in the deltaic region of the Sindh River. Shallabugh Rakh, the famous wetland located on the boundaries of the two villages of two different districts one of Srinagar and other of Ganderbal. Reaching to Shallabugh wetland is not easy through Ganderbal. The largest wetland in Kashmir, Shallabugh wetland should be developed as a significant eco-tourism destination in Central Kashmir. World class eco-tourism amenities should be created here for attracting wildlife lovers form all across the country. Keywords: Wetland, Ramsar Site, Migratory Birds, Rakh, Shallabugh. I. INTRODUCTION Wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir: - The word “wetland” is derived from the combination of two independent words “Wet” and “Land” which primarily gives the idea of a land saturated with water, that may house certain plants and animals. Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tides doesn’t exceed 6 meters. These are habitats where water saturation determines the nature of plants and animals, whether aquatic or terrestrial, that are found in such areas. Wetlands are features transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Records says that there are 29 wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir states before 5 August 2019,  16 in Kashmir valley  8 in Jammu region and,  5 in Ladakh All of these have been brought under the conservation plans. Out of which five wetlands in UT of Jammu and Kashmir are covered under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands namely.      Hokersar wetland Wular lake Shallabugh wetland Hygam wetland Surinsar – Mansar The winged visitors from Central Asia and Europe start arriving Kashmir valley in Lakhs towards the first week of November and concentration of migratory birds will peak around first week of February. Now in this paper our study area is Shallabugh wetland. This paper will cover all the information about the wetland. Shallabugh Wetland: - The Shallabugh wetland is located in Shallabugh Sherpathri area of district Ganderbal (Jammu & Kashmir). This wetland is spread over the area of 1,675 hectares (16.75 km2) that is designated to bird sanctuary. www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1063] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com @ 2025 Google- Imagery Airbus, Maxar Technologies, CNES, Airbus There are five wetlands of international importance in Jammu and Kashmir. Out of five wetlands Shallabugh and Hygam were inducted recently on 8 June 2022, as Ramsar site. Shallabugh has the Ramsar site number 2488. A Ramsar site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under an international treaty established by UNESCO. Known as Ramsar convention or the convention on wetlands, the treaty was established to facilitate national action and international cooperation regarding wetland conservation. Shallabugh Wetland The Shallabugh wetland falls within the Ganderbal district and covers 16.75 square kilometres. The Shallbugh wetland conservation Reserve lies west of Anchar lake, in the deltaic region of the Sindh River. This shallow wetland is primarily fed by Rainfall, Snowmelt from the Kashmir Himalayas, and Stream water flowing from the Sindh River and Anchar Lake. The depth of the water in Shallabugh ranges from 0.3 to 2 m, and the water level varies considerably based on rainfall. www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1064] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com This creates a perfect semi-aquatic ecosystem, and Shallabugh Reed beds and floating aquatic vegetation act as the ideal habitat for 21 important resident and migratory bird species. Many endangered species such as the Steppe eagle, Palla’s fish eagle and Black- Bellied tern, and Vulnerable ones like the Eastern Imperial eagle, Yellow- eyed pigeon and Wood Snipe are spotted here. The migratory birds observed census include Mallards, Gadwalls, Shovelers, Common teal, Red-crested pochard, Common pochard and Northern Pintails. In recent years dominating sightings was made were the huge flock of Greylag Geese. Migratory birds (Image by Intersar Suhail) Administrative Region: - Shallabugh rakh, the famous wetland located on the boundaries of the two villages of two different districts one of Srinagar and other of Ganderbal. The village of Srinagar district named as Takanwari pora and another village is of Ganderbal district namely Shallabugh village on which the wetland has been named. The main gate of entering to the wetland is from Takanwari Pora side Main gate of Shallabugh Watland The wetland known for its waterfowl diversity derives its name from “Shaal” which means golden jackal and “Rakh” which means plantation in Kashmiri. The plantation in the region once harboured a large population of Golden jackals that preyed on waterfowl and domestic chickens, much to the chagrin of inhabitants; hence the name “Shallabugh” originated from a vendor who sold water chestnuts. Most of the wetland is marshy but several deep compartments have been developed to retain considerable amount of water for the migratory waterfowl. The wetland is a mosaic of grassland’s, woodland and wetlands. In these diverse habitats more than 75 bird species and more than 40 macrophyte species inhabit. The surrounding plantations are composed of a mixture of willow (Salix alba, Salix bablonica), Poplar (Populus deltoids) and Mulberry (Morus Alba) trees, but the willow dominates throughout the wetland plantation (Rakh). Wetland has a mulberry tree near the bank of the wetland which is approx. 100 years old. www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1065] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com Mulberry tree The locals have divided the wetland into imaginary boundaries to collect grasses for animals feed, they harvested food by boatloads. According to the locals the wetland was divided into two parts in1977 as the bund was built to keep water on one side for migratory birds in which they can stay. And other part has the less water that was kept for grassland for animals. Before 1990, locals hunted birds for consumption. After 1990, guns became a common sight in the landscape, and until 2000, when the wetland experienced its darkest period ever, everyone owned a gun. Overall, the wetland hosts nearly 1,00,000, 2,00,000 birds, and possibly many more birds use it as staying points foe onward migration. II. KEY FEATURES OF SHALLABUGH WETLAND 1. Ecological Importance:  Migratory birds: - The wetland serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds, including several endangered and rear species.  Flora and fauna: - The wetland supports diverse aquatic vegetation, which is essential for maintaining its ecological balance and providing food and shelter for fauna. 2. Hydrology: - Shallabugh wetland is fed by waters from the Sindh River and other local water channels. Its hydrological system plays a vital role in flood control, water purification and groundwater recharge. 3. Threats: Urbanization: - Encroachment and land-use changes in surrounding areas have led to habitat degradation.  Pollution: - Agricultural runoff, untreated sewage and waste disposal into the wetland threaten its health.  Climate change: - Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are impacting the wetlands ecosystem. 4. Conservation Efforts:  Shallabugh wetland was designated as a conservation reserve under the wildlife protection Act of 1972 to protect its biodiversity and ecological integrity.  Government and non-government organizations are working on habitat restoration, pollution control and public awareness initiatives.  Locals and international frameworks like the Ramsar Convention on wetland are instrumental in guiding its management strategies. 5. Cultural and Socio-Economic Role: - The wetland holds cultural significance for the local population and supports livelihoods through activities like fishing and reed harvesting. www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1066] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com How to reach Shallabugh wetland: Reaching to Shallabugh wetland is not easy through Ganderbal. As we have to go through narrow village streets but their condition is very poor, moreover suitable transport facilities are unavailable. The Shallabugh wetland has two ways to reach one way is from the district Srinagar and other is through Ganderbal district. The easiest way to reach Shallabugh is through Takanwari Pora Srinagar. Through this village we can reach easily to wetland as it has the road facility. We can use our private vehicle to reach it has the embankment (bund) through which we can go easily with our private transport. The main entry gate of the wetland is on that side. And it is not easy to go through Shallabugh (Paribal) village as there are many waters crossing through which we have to go. There is no bridge connectivity as there are log bridges made by locals which are not safe for travelling. Way through the Ganderbal village (Paribal) So, it is the best and easy way to reach Shallabugh wetland through that way which comes through the Srinagar district. Way through the Srinagar village (Takanwari pora ) What Shallabugh wetland needs: - The largest wetland in Kashmir, Shallabugh wetland should be developed as a significant eco-tourism destination in Central Kashmir. World class eco-tourism amenities should be created here for attracting wildlife lovers form all across the country. Asides from plans to improve roads leading to the Shallabugh wetland the www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1067] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com Government should be develop facilities such as parking areas, viewing decks and landscaping of its surroundings to make wetland more attractive to tourists. It should be also provided with bio-fencing, solid waste management, zero tolerance for bird hunting and promoting sustainable use of wetland resources. Proper dredging should be done from time to time so that the water level of the wetland remains same and the pollution causing wastes remains same and the pollution causing wastes are removed. Water quality analysis must be done so that its water quality parameters are measured which are important factors for increasing the fauna of the wetland. Grazing land should be protected by Government as grazing animals should be eliminated by wildlife employs which has given the duty to protect the birds and eco-system of the wetland. Grazing lands should be converted into parks. The portion of wetland under water should be persevered for the birds. Grazing land for animals Here are some pictures of Shallabugh wetland Chinar tree Staying place for Wildlife employees www.irjmets.com Forest Block @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1068] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com Sluice gate used for maintaining the water level for the wetland Shallabugh wetland stone Water supply sources Shallabugh wetland sign board on Takanwari Pora road ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The author would like to thank all those who provided information related to topic especially, thanks to Mr Muneer Ahmad Baht who helped me a lot to collect the pictures. And helped me. And thanks to all those who helped me in different types to complete this article. And would like to suggest all the readers to watch some www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1069] e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science ( Peer-Reviewed, Open Access, Fully Refereed International Journal ) Volume:07/Issue:01/January-2025 Impact Factor- 8.187 www.irjmets.com videos on this wetland to see the beauty of the Shallabugh wetland there are many videos available on various platforms which presents the beaty of this wetland. Thanks once again. III. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] REFERENCES Bashir, I., F.A. Lone, H. Bano, N. Nazir & N.A. Kirmani (2020): Study on effects of seasonal variations on water quality of Shallabugh wetland. International Journal of Chemical Studies 8(2):01-06 Rahmani, A.R., M.Z. Islam & R.M. Kasambe (2016): Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (Revised and Updated). Bombay Natural History Society (Mumbai), Indian Bird Conservation Network, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Birdlife International (UK). Pp. xii+1992 District Ganderbal issued by: - District statistics and evaluation office- Ganderbal.2018-2019 Available at: http://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s3192fc044e74dffea144f9ac5dc9f3395/uploads/2021/10/2021102986.pdf. Mohsin Javid & Khursheed Ahmad (2023). Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir, India 24 BUCEROS Vol.28, No. 1, 2023 Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, India Ramsar Information Sheet 31 October 2022 https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2488 Ansari, A. H., Oseni, U. A. (2012). Wetlands and Global Warming: Impacts, Adaptation and MitigationDeveloping Countries Perspective. Serial Publications: New Delhi Directory of Lakes and Waterbodies of JandK. (2012). Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, Jammu and Kashmir Dugan, P. J. (1990). Wetland Conservation: A Review of Current Issues and Required Action. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, The World Conservation Union. National Wetland Inventory and Assessment High Attitudes Himalayan Lakes (2011). Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Bilal Ahmad Bhat (2020): Present Status and Significance of Wetlands in Kashmir. Indian Journal of Waste Management. 2020;4(1):9-14. www.irjmets.com @International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science [1070]