WATCH: Wular Lake In J-K's Bandipora Gets CCTV Surveillance To Combat Bird Poaching

As winter descends upon Jammu and Kashmir, CCTV surveillance along the Wular lake in Bandipora aims to prevent bird poaching amid the influx of migratory birds.

In a bid to curb bird poaching and protect the winter migratory birds, the Wular Conservation Management Authority (WUCUMA) has introduced CCTV surveillance along the banks of Wullar Lake in Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative aims to bolster anti-poaching measures and ensure the safety of the avian population during the critical winter months.

Mudasir Mehmood, Coordinator of WUCUMA, highlighted the multifaceted approach adopted to tackle the threat of poaching. "There is a threat of poaching for winter migratory birds, so we have adopted a multipronged approach wherein our first layer is the anti-poaching squad, and we have added a technological layer to it wherein we have installed CCTV on multiple towers so that we can navigate if some illegal movement takes place," Mehmood told news agency ANI.

The installation of CCTV cameras is a strategic move to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the lake area and promptly identify and apprehend individuals engaged in illegal activities such as bird poaching. "There is a fear of poaching when migratory birds come in during winter. We have taken up a multipronged approach. We have set up an anti-poaching squad. On top of that, we have added a technological layer in which we have set up CCTV towers on multiple towers so that we can detect any illegal movement," explained Mehmood, as quoted by ANI.

The WUCUMA Coordinator also emphasised the positive impact of restoration efforts on the avian population. "We are seeing a prominent impact of our restoration efforts. Multiple birds are coming in. Last year, 4-5 new species of birds came here. This year, we hope to see many more," he added.

 

The newly established watch-towers not only contribute to anti-poaching efforts but also provide an opportunity for the general public to engage in birdwatching without causing any disturbance to the avian inhabitants. "Moreover, the advantage of having watch towers is that the general public gets an opportunity to engage in bird-watching from a safe location without disturbing the birds," Mehmood stated.

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the CCTV surveillance will lead to a significant reduction in poaching incidents. Advocate Mudasir Ahmad commended the work done by WUCUMA in recent years and stated, "WUCUMA has been doing commendable work for the last 3-4 years. To safeguard migratory birds during the season when birds from Siberia and various countries fly in, WUCUMA has taken up a new initiative - CCTV surveillance, through which poaching incidents will come down."

Ahmad emphasised the importance of the surveillance system in increasing the production of migratory birds and preventing future poaching incidents. "Now the lake will be under CCTV surveillance. This is a good initiative so that the production of migratory birds that come from different countries increases, and the poaching incidents that used to take place in Wulur in the past do not happen in the future," he stated.

Another resident, Muhammad Rafiq, applauded the use of technology for proper identification of poachers. "The CCTV surveillance by WUCUMA will help to protect the migratory birds which used to come in winter in Wulur, and there will be a close watch on the poachers. This is a welcome step using technology from WUCUMA since it will help in proper identification," said Rafiq, as quoted by ANI.

In addition to addressing poaching concerns, residents acknowledged the positive impact of WUCUMA's efforts in the last three to four years, such as removing encroachments, in restoring the ecosystem of Wular Lake, and enhancing water flow.