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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at SRINAGAR: In the wake of a recent article published in the Daily Excelsior on 23rd July 2025 titled “World Famous Hokersar Water Body Facing Grave Encroachment Threat”, the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir Government, has issued a detailed clarification, categorically denying the allegations of ongoing or unchecked encroachment in the Hokersar Wetland.
Designated as a Ramsar Site of international importance and notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, Hokersar Wetland remains one of the most ecologically vital freshwater marshes in the Kashmir Valley. The department has reaffirmed that no fresh encroachments have occurred in the wetland in recent years and that strict protection mechanisms are in place, including GIS-mapped boundary surveillance, regular field patrolling and active legal enforcement where necessary.
According to official sources, the wetland spans 13.54 square kilometres and has been fully delineated in the department’s KML-based geospatial records. While the department acknowledges the presence of some legacy cultivation practices in fringe areas, particularly seasonal paddy farming, these activities are being systematically curtailed through notices, legal proceedings and ecological interventions as per provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
In response to disputes raised at certain points with regard to the demarcation exercise conducted in 2019–20, a joint demarcation committee was constituted by the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Budgam and an Electronic Total Station (ETS) survey was carried out to scientifically resolve the contested boundaries. The final authenticated report from the Revenue Department is awaited and coordination is ongoing to ensure the full legal validation of the wetland’s boundaries.
One of the most significant ecological breakthroughs has come through hydrological regulation. The construction of inlet and outlet regulatory gates by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has led to a remarkable rise in water levels, reportedly the highest in the last two decades. This natural flooding has resulted in inundation of fringe lands, automatically displacing historic cultivation and acting as a passive yet highly effective deterrent to any unauthorized use. The increased water retention is also contributing to broader habitat restoration objectives outlined in the Integrated Management Action Plan (IMAP) 2022–27.
A senior official from the department emphasized that the media report in question fails to differentiate between the historical land-use patterns and actual encroachments, thereby misrepresenting the ground reality. "The wetland is under enhanced legal, ecological, and administrative protection. Misleading reports not only demoralize field staff but also shift public attention away from tangible restoration efforts," the official noted.
The Department of Wildlife Protection strongly reiterated its commitment towards safeguarding the Hokersar Wetland and ensuring its rejuvenation in accordance with international conservation standards. However, it also made an earnest appeal for responsible journalism.
“We urge media outlets to verify facts with official sources before issuing sweeping claims that lack field validation. Misinformation undermines years of conservation work and can erode public trust. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we expect media platforms to uphold ethical standards and refrain from publishing speculative or alarmist content,” the department stated. The department has expressed readiness to facilitate media field visits, to ensure that the public remains accurately informed.
