Srinagar, April 5 Every winter, thousands of migratory birds arrive in Kashmir from Siberia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia to escape the freezing temperatures, and make the wetlands in the valley their temporary home.
With the onset of the rainy season in Kashmir (from late March to May), they begin their breeding season in wetlands like Hokersar, Dal Lake, and Narkara before returning to their native places.
However, poaching disrupts this process.
Department officials said that poachers use small boats and locally made guns to catch the birds, leading to their deaths and disrupting the hatching process.
However, the wildlife department is now taking steps to curb illegal hunting in the valley.
In March, the department carried out regular patrols and anti-poaching surveillance in various wetland areas under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Protection Range, particularly Dal Lake, Narkara wetlands, and surrounding areas.
"The intensified field patrols resulted in the detection of several attempts at illegal hunting and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and equipment used for poaching migratory birds," a senior official of the department said.
He said that a poaching attempt was foiled in Dal Lake on March 13 after a gunshot was heard.
"The patrol team stationed at Dal Lake immediately moved towards the sound to apprehend the offenders," the official said.
However, by the time the team reached the spot, the suspects had fled, leaving behind two cartridges, a knife, a slipper, and one gun cleaning rod.
On March 14, a double-barreled gun, 32 live cartridges, and two wooden boats were seized from the Narkara wetlands.
Poaching equipment was also recovered from the Rampura wetlands in the Chattabal area, where patrolling parties foiled an attempt to trap birds.
Additionally, three poachers were arrested during patrols in the Narkara wetlands on March 24, and as many guns were recovered from their possession.
"The accused were taken into custody and produced before the Court of competent jurisdiction for further legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972," he added.
