Srinagar, Sept 9 (KNS): Residents of Narkara in Budgam on Tuesday appealed to the Environment Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to intervene urgently to stop large-scale encroachments on the Narkara wetland and to address the deteriorating condition of the flood channel.

They warned that continued neglect could lead to severe environmental and agricultural damage.

In 1971, the Narkara wetland covered 342 hectares (3.42 sq. km) but by 2010 it had shrunk to 261 hectares (2.61 sq. km). Locals alleged that powerful land mafias have illegally occupied significant portions of the wetland, reducing its water-holding capacity and disturbing its ecological balance.

“The wetland is our lifeline. If it continues to shrink, both our environment and agriculture will collapse,” said a resident, calling for urgent intervention. Another local added, “We want proper demarcation of this wetland before it disappears completely. Authorities must act now, not later.”

The residents also voiced concern over the flood channel passing through the Narkara wetland, which they said has not been dredged for years.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDuring the recent rise in the water level of the Jhelum River, authorities diverted water near the Baghi Mehtab gauge into Nambal Narkara through this channel. Locals reported that the diversion caused extensive damage to paddy fields, vegetables, and fruit orchards.

“Had the flood channel been properly dredged and maintained, these losses could have been prevented,” said another farmer. “This negligence is putting both livelihoods and the ecosystem at risk.”

They urged swift measures, including complete demarcation of the wetland, removal of encroachments, and dredging of the flood channel, stressing that any delay would result in irreversible harm.

“If the government delays action, we will lose not only our crops but also a vital natural treasure,” the residents said, urging the Assembly’s Environment Committee to take up the matter at the earliest. (KNS)