Pampore: Wildlife Conservation Fund, J&K in collaboration with Sanctuary Nature Foundation (SNF), Mumbai launched Nature Schools and Salim Ali Birdwatchers’ Network at Chatlam Wetland Reserve, Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Mudasir Mehmood Malik, Coordinator WUCMA, visited the Chatlam Wetland Reserve along with Waseem Farooq Mir, IFS Nodal Officer with Chief Secretary’s Office were present at the launch of The Nature School and Salim Ali Birdwatchers’ Network (SABN).
The duo donated binoculars, field guides on birds and pamphlets with an idea to promote birdwatching in and around Wetlands of Pampore.
It is pertinent to mention here that recently MoEF & CC launched a prestigious Green Skill Development Program in J&K which was executed by Wallur Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA).
This was a flagship program to train local Youth of Pampore about Birdwatching and Eco-Tourism with special focus on Conservation and Protection of Biodiversity & Waterbodies.
The Initiative is supported by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Sanctuary Nature Foundation (SNF) Mumbai and Eco-Development Committee (EDC), Lalpora, Pampore.
IFS Nodal Officer with Chief Secretary’s Office Waseem Mir said that Wetlands are one of the most crucial ecosystems for the biodiversity of plants and animals, as well as, the overall health of the surrounding environment,” adding that Humans rely heavily on wetlands, in this regard a special conservation awareness program cum Eco-talk session was organised with students of locality.
Nadeem Qadri Environmental Lawyer
High Court of J&K & Founder, J&K ECO-WATCH told Kashmir Reader that the purpose of the event was to lay down the Nature school and establishment of SABN.
We are demanding Ramsar status for this wetland ,” adding that Pampore is famous for the wetlands and there are many other things like saffron that need special attention from an ecological point of view.

BILAL HABIB