A MEMORABLE DAY TO GHARANA WETLAND

 Wetland: 

The name 'wetland' is composed of two words namely 'wet' and 'land 'which gives the idea of a land absorbed with water supporting a great variety of flora and fauna.
The unique climate conditions of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir supports numerous wetlands.

Gharana wetland :-

Gharana wetland is loacted along the border in RS pura sector of Jammu district about 30 kms from Jammu.Gharana wetland is a 'Border Tourism Site' nestled between the India-Pakistan. It has been the winter destination for Siberian birds. It is also known as the "bird watcher's paradise".

This wetland is surrounded by wetlands of Makwal, kukdian,Abdullian, Parwal ,has more than 170 residents and migratory bird species such as Bar-headed geese,gadwalls, common teals,purple swamp hens, Indian moorhens, Cormorants. These birds reach the wetalands during the winter.

Gharana wetland Conservation Reserve in the RS pura sector near the International Border was notified in 1981.

The best time to visit Gharana is late December to March.

Main attractionn is the world's highest altitude migrants, Bar-headed goose . These birds can cover more than 1000 miles distance in a single day.


My personal experience:-

My college organized an educational trip to Gharana wetland on 4th December 2021. Being a resident of Jammu , i never visited this wetland.It was my first time to explore a new place so i was so happy and exciting. It was so beautiful, lots of trees , greenery all around and variety of birds. Though i was not able to see Bar Headed goose but there were other birds. 
If you are nature lover or a Dendrophile like me , you should visit this place.
Gharana is partially covered with various water plants- water hyacinth, Hydrilla species etc.

The left side of Gharana is bounded by a village Gharana( hence the name) and on right side are agricultural fields.

As we enter, there is a signage board asking help to save this wetland.




Despite being designated as a Conservation Reserve a decade ago the neglected dying wetland is still struggling for legal status.
And after my visit, i can clearly say that there is drainage of domestic ,livestock and agricultural waste which pollutes the water.

The area is near the border so there are high miltancy activities , people use water for washing , bathing etc.

The annual rainfall is about 1,100mm.
The area is less and because of this we could not see the birds properly.



In some videos you can listen to the natural chirping of birds and can relax your mind. Bird watching could be an escape from the stress around and can help to explore various avian species.

Second saturday in the month of May is observed as World Migratory Bird day.They travel so much distance, we can explore the undefined beauty of nature. Its like a treat for any bird watcher to witness such varied species of bird at one place.




Every bird, every tree, every flower, sky reminds me what a blessing and privilege it is just to be alive.


Biblography:-  All images and vidoes are taken by me and the personal experience shared is mine whereas the information regarding wetland is taken from the internet.



01-MSZ-20 (Simran Goswami)

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