Visit To Gharana Wetland

 


Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. ... Wetlands may support both aquatic and terrestrial species.

Ghar-ana wetland (meaning welcome home) is paradise of migratory birds. Gharana and its adjoining wetlands of Makwal, Kukdian, Abdullian and Pargwal every year receive about 10000 to 20000 migratory 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.


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. Abdullian wetland is located along the border in RS Pura Tehsil but over the years local farmers have encroached its area and have almost become extinct. Twin wetlands of Makwal and Kukdian are located in the downstream of river Tawi near border with Pakistan.






















Main attraction

The world's highest altitude migrants, Bar-headed goose is the highlight at Gharana wetland. These migratory birds cover more than 1000 miles distance in a single day. These birds migrate to Gharana for a hospitable habitat from freezing temperatures of Central Asia. Some other famous birds found in and around Gharana wetland reserve include Cattle egret, Black stork, northern pintail, common teal, northern shoveler, red-wattled lapwing, rock pigeon, ruddy shelduck, laughing dove, common sand piper, black Duronto, yellow wagtail, red-vented bulbul, bay-backed shrike etc. It is a treat for any bird watcher to witness such varied species of birds at one place.


Bar - headed goose (Anser indicus)


The bar-headed goose is a goose that breeds in Central Asia in colonies of thousands near mountain lakes and winters in South Asia, as far south as peninsular India. It lays three to eight eggs at a time in a ground nest. It is known for the extreme altitudes it reaches when migrating across the Himalayas. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT GHARANA

The right time to visit Gharana for witnessing the arrival of famous Bar-headed geese is around 9am to 10am.

Wonderful avian species visit Gharana every year during winters (December to march)




Gharana wetland reserve is a wintering site for hundreds of migratory birds including bar headed geese during their sojourn hence this place demands conservation and public support for recognition. So, make a pledge to visit Gharana with family or friends and experience birdwatching in Jammu.

 Bibliography : Images  are captured by me and other information gathered from Google. 

Posted by: Payal Kumari 

Roll no. 12




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