Floral And Faunal Diversity Of Chatlam Wetland Reserve: A Detailed Analysis

The Himalayas of Kashmir are crucial to the economy of the mountainous state of Kashmir because of its strategic location. Despite the fact that many freshwater lakes, reservoirs, ponds, pools, streams, rivers, etc. may be found in this part of the county. Indeed, such freshwater bodies are of tremendous importance since they not only offer portable water and fodder for the cattle but also ensure the stability of the microclimate of the area, groundwater recharging, producing employment by increasing tourism and fisheries, recreation, etc (Dar et al., 2021). Among hundreds of wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir, a cluster of 4 wetlands exists in Pampore. These include Chatlam Wetland Reserve (CWR), Fashkoori Wetland Reserve (FWR), Manibugh Wetland Reserve (MWR), and Krenchoo Wetland Reserve (KWR).

The biggest of them-Chatlam wetland Reserve locally called BODSAR or lalpora wetland with a total basin area of 2.1 km2. Located at a distance of 16 kilometers from the capital city of Srinagar, the wetland lies at a latitude of 34° 01′ 12.00″ N and a Longitude of 74° 55′ 48.00″ E. Out of the total 2.1 1 km2 basin area, the lake has a clear water surface area of 0.7 km2 and a marshy area of 1.4 km2. The huge catchment area of the wetland stretches from Bagandhar to the west to Lalpora (Chatlam) to the east. The wetland water is rather shallow with a fluvial origin, making it a permanent body of water. With a temperate climate, it empties into the river Jhelum through a stream (Parray et al., 2021).

There are over 33,000 people living in 12 nearby villages to the wetland which use the marshy area to fish, hunt, irrigate their crops, and do other things (Parray et al., 2010). Also, 11,805 head of cattle live in the watershed area, which puts strain on the wetland from grazing. Saffron and rice farming are the two most popular agricultural uses of land in the catchment area, and their numbers are only expected to grow. Apart from this, the wetland acts as a source of fresh water for the local community and attracts wildlife to it. This area is quite rich in terms of floral, and faunal diversity.