First international water birds census begins in Kashmir

The wildlife department earlier on Monday began the counting of water birds, in a bid to attract tourism as well. The census is being organised for the first time in the valley to know the count of migratory birds.

Kashmir, which is famous for its natural beauty and water bodies, attract thousands of migratory birds.

A team was formed for the work, which used special binoculars and other gadgets.

"This is happening for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir at the international level as many migratory birds come here. We always keep a note of how many and what species of birds come here," said a member of the census team, Ishtiyaq Ahmad.

Meanwhile, wildlife warden of Hokersar wetland, Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, said that the census will be carried out with the help of volunteers.

"The department has made special arrangements for counting of birds and we have involved students, scholars and NGOs in it," he said.

Lone said that this was a chance to popularize the wetlands in the valley and the census would help create interest among people and attract bird lovers to the wetlands.

More than 500, 000 migratory birds are in Hokersar wetland.

ANI