Poaching of migratory birds continues in Wular

Hunting of wetland birds, including migratory species, is rampant in many parts of the lake especially in Zalwan, Banyair, Leharwalpora, Kulhama where birds lay their eggs.

Migratory birds continue to fall prey to hunters in Wular Lake in north Kashmir despite authorities imposing ban on the use of guns in and around the water body.

Locals said that hunters use homemade guns to kill wetland birds in broad daylight while the Wildlife authorities have nothing to do other than expressing concern. They alleged that law enforcing agencies are giving free hand to the hunters.

Residents said hunters from villages like Kulhama, Lankrishipora, Leharwalora, Zoorimaz, Banyari use boats to hunt migratory birds in the lake. “These professional hunters have special boats and guns,” a local resident said.

Hunting of wetland birds, including migratory species, is rampant in many parts of the lake especially in Zalwan, Banyair, Leharwalpora, Kulhama where birds lay their eggs.

Though Wildlife officials patrol the lake, their rounds make little impact as the department lacks proper equipment and human resources. “We can’t do anything except express our concern,” said a field official.

In February this year, we highlighted the issue which was followed by administrative action in which authorities imposed complete ban on using of guns in and around Wular Lake. The government directed all license holders to deposit their guns in respective police stations.

But locals said that license holders deposit guns in police stations but are using unlicensed local guns to kill the birds.

The easy availability of local guns is worrying Wildlife officials. “No one knows how many guns are in use in the district. Though there are figures with the authorities but each license holder has two to three local guns, he deposits one and uses others,” said a Wildlife officer.