SRINAGAR, Dec 9: The recent hunting at the Hokera wetland has brought into focus not only the direct threat posed to the dwindling numbers of migratory waterfowl but also the long-term feasibility of the Valley's wetlands serving as a resting and transit area for an increasing number of avian tourists.

Protected over the last eight years by the non-issuance of hunting licenses, the Hokera wetland registered increasing numbers of migratory waterfowl on transit to the sub-continental plains. This year Hokera was home to the highest concentration of waterfowl in the Valley, recorded at 55,000 migratory birds and spanning more than 10 species.

``However, the sense of security nurtured over the years for the birds was dealt a blow by the shooting. On the first day of the shoot, the birds were constantly in flight but remained within the Hokera wetland area. On the second day, they flew out of the wetland once the firing started,'' said an eyewitness to the controversial shoot.

Constant disturbance can force the birds to abandon Hokera, which is protected by 12 wildlife guards, and seek refuge in areas where they can easily fall prey to local poachers. Says naturalist and member of the Associated Welfare Association of Nature and Sciences (AWANS), Shahabzada Muzzafar Amin, ``I did not know of the shoot but felt something amiss when I saw swarms of ducks and geese flying over my house which is not far off from Hokera. If the birds are constantly hounded, they will stay in the Valley for a shorter period next season. Some may even bypass the Valley and steer a safer path.''

That the threat is real is proved by the dwindling numbers of the Bar-headed Geese that visit the Valley, and that, too, for a species that breeds in the upper reaches of the State itself.

The migratory waterfowl are protected under the law not only in the rest of the country but also in Siberia, Central Asia and Europe from where they fly down from. ``The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) had filed a petition in the Supreme Court, which directed that the WPSI first serve notice on the Jammu and Kashmir Government. We sent a 18-page letter to the State Government five months back asking why it had not brought its wildlife laws in consonance with the rest of the country and the world,'' said Ashok Kumar of the New Delhi-based WPSI.

Supporters of the argument that limited shooting to ``very distinguished personalities'' should be allowed, cite the case of the West. However, says a former wildlife officer, ``It is another matter to allow shooting in some Western countries where game stocks are abundant and scientifically managed. In India, not only are numbers dwindling but there is little evidence of shooting discipline on the part of the rich and the influential.'' The other danger is that a hunter will not be able to discriminate between the endangered and the abundant species and bring to the ground ducks like the Brahminny, said Amin.

The grant of ``discretionary'' shooting licences to members of the erstwhile royal families and other persons ``wielding influence'' with the Government also raises a question of equality before the law.

``On what basis can the Government refuse shooting rights to anybody who is willing to pay the required fee and stay within the prescribed bag of birds? This incident can open the floodgates to bird killers of all persuasions,'' said Amin.

The J&K Wildlife Protection Act is modelled on the laws governing the rest of the country but has not incorporated the 1986 and 1991 amendments to the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, which forbid hunting of any kind. Under the State's laws, permits can be issued on a discretionary basis for the hunting of the Himalayan Black Bear, the Hill Partridge, Snow Cock, Mountain Goat, Kaleej Pheasants besides waterfowl and other faunal species.

However, Forests and Wildlife Minister Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan has promised the tabling of amendments banning hunting and trade in wildlife in the February session of the Assembly. While the legalities are taking their own time to be finalised, ornithologists and environmentalists are an agitated lot.

Leading the charge is Maneka Gandhi, who told The Indian Express on Monday, ``This Pataudi creature has no business shooting birds. Around two years ago, we threatened to take him to court for leaning out of his palace in Pataudi and shooting dogs. They begged us to let the matter rest, promising it would not happen again. He is back to doing exactly what he wants.''

Maneka alleged that when the Indian Wildlife Act was amended, the J&K Government had given a verbal assurance that licences would not be issued for shooting. Pooh-poohing the comments on the presence of too many geese, ornithologist Bikram Grewal said, ``That is absolutely nonsense. It is an idiotic thing to do and say. There are never too many birds in the wet lands''.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.