Pak hunters, Chinese thread pose growing threat to migratory birds at Gharana wetland, say officials

With thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and other regions arriving at the Gharana wetland along the International Border, officials have expressed concern over increased hunting across the border in Pakistan and injuries caused by Chinese thread (manja).

Several birds have perished near the wetland after their wings became entangled in the Chinese thread. Officials of the Wildlife Protection Department have been put on high alert and are maintaining strict vigil to rescue birds caught in the thread.

Species such as Bar-headed Geese, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, White-breasted Ibis, Eurasian Wigeon and Painted Stork have already arrived at Gharana. Officials said many more species are expected to reach the wetland by the end of December.

Situated near the International Border in the RS Pura area of Jammu, Gharana wetland is considered a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Thousands of migratory birds visit Gharana and other wetlands across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh during winter, when water bodies in their native regions freeze. The birds typically stay here for three to four months before returning after travelling thousands of kilometres.

Roshan Lal, Range Officer, Wildlife Protection Department, said incidents of hunting near the border on the Pakistan side often force birds to move towards this side. “There have been instances of hunting close to the border. Some birds recently got entangled in Chinese thread, after which our teams rescued them,” he said.

While the government has developed basic visitor facilities at the wetland, officials have expressed concern over the lack of direct public transport to the site. They said the absence of a direct bus service acts as a deterrent to visitors and limits the wetland’s potential as a wildlife tourism destination.

Roshan Lal said that although a bus service operates from Jammu to the Suchetgarh border, there is no direct connectivity to Gharana wetland. At present, visitors can reach the site only through private vehicles.

Officials have recorded the arrival of around 10,000 birds at Gharana so far. The region has five major wetlands frequented by migratory birds—Gharana, Nanga wetland in Samba, Kukrian in Marh, Sangran in RS Pura and Pargwal in Akhnoor. Last year, a total of around 14,000 birds were recorded across these wetlands.

The total area of the Gharana wetland is 408 kanal, of which the water body itself spans about 140 kanal. The Wildlife Department has also completed fencing of the wetland, which has helped local resident birds remain in the area throughout the day. Officials said that earlier, nomadic tribes used the area for cattle grazing, which disturbed the birds.

Meanwhile, the department is expecting more than 50,000 visitors to the wetland this year, compared to about 40,000 last year.