Gharana Wetland

Ghar-ana wetland (meaning welcome home) is paradise of migratory birds.Gharana wetland is located along the border in RS Pura tehsil of Jammu district about 30 kms from Jammu near Gharana village. Earlier this spot alongwith other wetlands was the favourite hunting ground for Shikaris but thanks to the Wildlife Conservation Act that the hunting has stopped.




Gharana and its adjoining wetlands of Makwal, Kukdian, Abdullian and Pargwal every year receive about 10000 to 20000 migratoray birds in winter. All these wetlands are located along the border with Pakistan. 

Their existence is threatened because of several human and management factors. All these wetlands are Notified under J&K Wildlife Act and are recognized Important Birding sites by the BNHS but the total neglect of Government, the wildlife department and non cooperative attitude of local famers and administration has put these wetlands under serious threat.

In the  Gharana wetland more than 170 resident and migratory species have been c by the researchers of Jammu University. Some of the flagship species are Bar headed Geese, Grey Lag Goose, Shelduck, Pochard, Gadwill, Pintail Duck, Mallard, Spoonbills, Common Cranes, Wooly necked Storks and Wigeon, Whistling Teals. 

 My personal experience =
On 4th of December 2021, our college organised an educational trip to Gharana Wetland . It was a wonderful experience for me. Though I live in Jammu ,but I never get any chance to visit this beautiful place .
This place is covered by greenery all over. There is also a small village  and at one side there is agricultural side. We got to visit this place in the beginning of month December because of that we were not able to see many migratory birds . The best time to visit this place is from January to March .

When we enter this place, there was a board telling us about the different types of migratory birds found there.

With the help of my phone camera ,I try to catch the photos and videos of  birds found there.







These wetlands are of great pleasure for the nature lovers and bird watchers .
These wetlands are not only home to birds but provide an excellent opportunity to the state government to develop them as Eco-Tourist destinations for attracting National and International tourists.



These border wetlands of Jammu district are Nature's gift to the citizens of the state and God's gift to the Birds who fly thousands of miles every year to visit these wetlands. We must respect Nature and take appropriate actions as a responsible government and citizens of state to develop these wetlands both for wild birds as well as tourism for the sustainable development of the backwards border areas of the state providing livelihoods and employment to the local youth and also helping tourism and trade industry to think for alternative options.

Bibliography = All photos and videos are taken by me ,some information is gathered from internet. 
 
16-MSZ-20 
Shruti Gupta 


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