Gharana Wetland - Home to migratory birds

 Wetland

Wetlands are land transitions between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.

Wetlands are considered among the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving home to wide range of plant and animal species.

Gharana Wetland

Gharana Wetland is located along the border in R.S Pura Tehsil of Jammu district about 35 kms from Jammu near Gharana village.




Every year in winter season, a large number of migratory birds visit here from Siberia and Central Asia to withstand the harsh winters.




Gharana wetland is declared as the "Conservation Reserve" by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is also designated as an Important Bird sanctuary by International Organisations.
 

Plant species found -

Gharana is partially covered with various plant species - Water hyacinth, Eichhornia spp, Hydrilla spp and Typha spp.
 

Major attractions -

More than 170 resident and migratory species have been reported here. The major attraction is Bar headed Geese.




Some other  flagship species are 
Grey Lag Goose
Pochard
Shelduck
Pintail Duck
Mallard Spoonbills 
Common Cranes
Wooly Necked Storks
Whistling Teals





The right time to visit the Gharana wetland is December to March.
I visited Gharana Wetland on 4th of December, 2021. It was an educational trip organized by our college - GCW, Parade, Jammu.
Though I missed the opportunity to see the Bar Headed Geese, I saw other birds. It was a wonderful experience.

Threat to Gharana wetland



Gharana wetland is dying due to biotic pressure. Local people say that the ecosystem is facing an extinctionel threat as its land is being enroached and reservoir is shrinking as it is getting filled with silt and waste.
Wetland recieves cattle waste and waste from home and has deteriorated its condition.
The concrete and major steps should be taken by the administration to give a new life to this wonderful marsh which is home to various migratory birds.




Bibliography

The pictures are clicked by me and information is taken from internet.

Roll no- 07-MSZ-20

Kajal Rajput

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