Efforts to revive Kheshki Wetland site
PESHAWAR (APP): The NWFP Wildlife department is working on a plan to restore the lost glory of Kheshki Lake in Nowshera district which was internationally recognized wetland site under the Ramsar Convention of United Nations. “We are trying for ecological restoration of Kheshki lake which was a protected wetland and provided a refuge to numerous exotic species during migration between Siberia and India,” informed Chief Conservator NWFP Wildlife Department, Saeeduz Zaman. Talking to APP, he said according to Ramsar Convention signed in 1978 and emphasizes on protection of wetlands and their associated flora and fauna, NWFP possessed three wetlands which were recognized under the convention. These wetlands included Kheshki lake in Nowshera district, Thanedar Wala lake in Lakki Marwat district and Tanda Dam in Kohat district. However, due to environmental degradation and change in irrigation patterns, the Kheshki wetland has dried up and a stopover for thousands of migratory birds have been lost. The NWFP Wildlife department has approached the concerned department for de-notifying the Kheshki lake as internally recognized wetland. Realizing the importance of the site, the NWFP Wildlife department proposed a project for inclusion in Annual Development Plan for 2009-10. The title of the project is `Establishment of Waterfowl Refuge in Kheshki area’ and its objective is to restore the lost glory of Kheshki Lake. Saeed-uz-Zaman also informed that since the land is owned by NWFP Irrigation Department which has granted it to PAF on lease, the Wildlife department considered it appropriate to consult both the stakeholders before initiating any action to avoid any hindrance or complication at later stage. The territorial officers of Wildlife department held meeting with the stakeholders who agreed in principle for ecological restoration of the lake as wonderful refuge and a Letter of Understanding (LoU) will be signed among the three departments for effective collaboration. Chief Conservator NWFP Wildlife said protection of natural resource is of prime importance as if such sites were lost the migratory birds will change their route. He said it is fortunate that among seven international routes of migratory birds one passes through Pakistan, starting from Siberia (Russia) to India. During migration, he added, hundred of thousands of birds pass through different areas of Pakistan during November and March and make stopovers at such lakes and river embankments. If these refuges are not protected from disappearance the habitat for such wild species will lost, he added. This does not mean that those living in its environs be prohibited from using its resources just for the sake of the migratory birds. Rather, the use of the wetland’s water should be regulated in such a way that the local population continues to benefit from it without denying hospitality to the migratory birds. Apart from providing sanctuary to the birds, conserving such a site would also be a boon for nature-lovers and anglers and add to the province’s natural beauty. The Chief Conservator said the provincial government has included the project in its current ADP and earmarked a substantial amount for its launching. He expressed the hope that the NWFP Wildlife department, Irrigation Department and PAF will soon sigh LoU for initiating the project.