In a shocking revelation, a Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) report has noted that more than 60 (nearly 70%) wetlands out of the total 85 have “degraded due to sheer neglect”.
WWF officials, who conducted research on the all 85 wetlands, said the degraded wetlands include Jhilmil in Haridwar, Dodital in Uttarkashi as well as Garudtal in Kumaon.
“Even though Uttarakhand has some unique and scenic wetlands at high altitude, the state never applied to get them recognised as ‘Wetlands of International importance’ as per the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
“The wetlands were degraded for various reasons such as excessive tourism pressure with trekkers camping at the site and spreading filth and pollutants in the water body; extreme grazing pressure by shepherds; and man-induced effects like natural calamities too played spoilsports.”
