Srinagar Nov 23 (KNS) : A team of J&K Climate Action Group- JKCAG led by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat on Saturday visited Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and has appealed DC Baramulla to stop illegal sand and clay mining around Hygam Rakh immediately as breaches have been made in embankments of wetland and nallah Kanihama.

In a statement, the JKCAG said that drones be used for keeping vigil on wetland which is designated as Ramsar site as its health deteriorates day by day.

“Authorities which include the Department of Wildlife Protection as well as Irrigation and Flood Control Department have failed to perform their duties to ensure better maintenance of this great waterbody. Illegal sand and clay mining is happening in broad-day light in nallah Kanihama located near Hygam Rakh.

The embankment of the wetland has been damaged as well using heavy machines. It is better to use drones for constant vigil on illegal encroachment of wetland , dumping of waste , illegal sand and clay mining plus illegal poaching of migratory birds.

The Environmental Policy Group-EPG team also visited this wetland many times in the last few years and highlighted the issue, but authorities are least bothered to address the issue.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe appeal DC Baramulla to intervene ” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat

Among others Senior members of Central Auquaf Committee Tarzoo Sopore led by Ajaz Ahmad Dar and Abdul Subhan Rather, District Chairman JKCAG Pulwama district Ajaz Sofi and noted multimedia journalist from Sopore Bilal Dar were also part of the JKCAG team who visited Rakhe Hygam and Gohal Tengpora where there are allegations of large-scale sand and clay mining taking place.

“Siltation through Bal Kul, pollution and encroachments are severely affecting its carrying capacity and flora and fauna of Hygam wetland.

The migratory birds are not seen. Water level has receded and illegal mining is being done by some contractor who has been given permission to lift muck for 15 days Nov 18th to Dec 1st 2025, but the same muck is looted and sold in black market. We demand action against the culprits” said Ajaz Ahmad Dar .(KNS)