Under Altaf Hussain’s Stewardship, Asian Waterbird Census-2026 Draws Record Participation Across 27 Kashmir Wetlands
Srinagar, Feb 12: In one of the largest participatory conservation exercises conducted in recent years, the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)-2026 was successfully carried out across 27 wetlands of the Kashmir Valley under the stewardship of Altaf Hussain, Wildlife Warden, Wetland Division Kashmir.
Organised by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir, through its Wetland Division in coordination with the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), the census began simultaneously at 8:00 a.m., covering 58 designated census points across north, central and south Kashmir.
The exercise followed a structured orientation programme aimed at familiarising participants with scientific census protocols and standard methodologies, reflecting a systematic and research-driven approach to biodiversity monitoring.
The census spanned key ecologically significant wetlands including Hokersar, Shalbugh, Haigam, Wular Lake, Dal Lake, Anchar Lake, Nigeen Lake and Chatlam—critical habitats forming part of the Central Asian Flyway that host migratory waterbirds from Siberia and Central Asia.
More than 350 participants, including scholars from SKUAST-Kashmir, University of Kashmir, colleges of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam, as well as NGOs, trained volunteers, birdwatchers and school students, took part in the extensive field operation.
Speaking to the media, Altaf Hussain emphasised that the Asian Waterbird Census is “not merely an exercise in counting birds, but a scientifically structured estimation process focused on assessing population trends and wetland suitability.” He noted that such data serves as a vital ecological indicator guiding long-term wetland management and conservation planning.
Officials described AWC-2026 as a milestone in collaborative conservation efforts, with expanded coverage and growing public engagement demonstrating increasing environmental awareness across the Valley.
The successful execution of the census underscores the strengthening of scientific wetland monitoring under the Wetland Division, reinforcing Kashmir’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.
