Wildlife Deptt to conduct census from February

By: Sameer Lone

Srinagar: The wildlife department is all set to conduct a census of migratory birds to know the exact number of the migratory birds, including the first time visitors, who found Kashmir this year’s winter destination.

According to an estimate, this winter nearly 10 lakh migratory birds of at least 10 species have found their home in Kashmir.

The birds have flown to Kashmir from countries including China, Russia, Japan, Central Asia and European countries.

Among them, several bird species have been found for the first time, said the officials in the Wildlife department, who believe that more such new species could be currently resting in various wetlands of the valley.

“We have found species like White Fronted Goose, Wooper Swan, Tundra Swan and Waders in Hokersar. These species have been spotted for the first time in Kashmir. It is for the first time that these species have been spotted in Kashmir wetland,” said Wildlife Warden, Wetlands, Ifshan Dewan.

“The census will begin in February and only then can we come to a conclusion about the number of species which visited Kashmir for the first time. Our men are on job to trace these new species in various wetlands,” she said.

The wildlife warden estimated that nearly 10 lakh migratory birds have flown to Kashmir so far.

“We have almost 3.5 lakh birds in Hokersar, 3.5 lakh in Dal Lake, 2.5 lakh in Hygam, 80000 in Mirgund. Pampore and Shalbugh wetlands also have received a good number of migratory birds this season,” said Ifshan.

Last year, reportedly Whooper Swans were spotted in Kashmir after 60 years. Among the four swans who rested in the valley, two were killed by the poachers.

The department has established control rooms in various lakes and water bodies of the valley to control poaching of birds.

“We have established control rooms at Hokersar, Wular, Dal and Shalbough, which function 24 × 7. Besides, our men are constantly patrolling to maintain the vigil for the safety of birds,” said the Wildlife officials.

Kashmir has around 400 water bodies, of which 25 are chosen by migratory birds as their winter sojourn.

Defeats ordeals, opens up employment avenues for many

BY: Aabid Hameed

Pulwama: Setting an example within the society, a physically challenged person from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district is an inspiration to hundreds of handicapped as he is not only earning the handsome amount but also provides job to many people as well.

Muhammad Yaseen Bhat, a 31-year-old handicapped man from Pulwama district is rolling high after he started his tailor shop and two poultry forms, providing job to around half dozen people.

Bhat was six-year-old when he first realised that his legs are life less.

Despite so many efforts by his family, Bhat’s lifelong problem couldn’t be healed.

“I was not able to go to the school but my passion determined me to learn other arts and ended up with sewing,” he said, adding that he learned sewing from Jawad who was well-trained tailor and his way of teaching make him adept person in tailoring.

Bhat said he was de-motivated by many people but he didn’t pay any attention towards them and kept following his passion and started his tailoring shop. He is no less than others and always paved the way for the flourishing path.

He said that it were the efforts of his elder brother that he was able to establish his own unit after which he was able to earn bread and butter for his family. He has openly flabbergasted all those persons who have de-motivated him, he said.

“From last thirteen years, I am in this profession and till now I have tutored around 100 boys and girls in this mastery who are now working in different units. There are still four local girls working in my unit who are in learning process,” he said.

Bhat said there prevails a huge rush of customers who wait for months to get braid their clothes. They prompt him to take huge stock of clothes for sewing, he said.

He said after the success of unit, he embarked on another journey and started two poultry forms. It was not easy to start another venture but his determination and commitment guided him to start the business unit.

“First, I acquired interest free loan from bank and paid it for first hedge of weaklings (Pooti). I employed two jobless youngsters and under their oversight ended up in profit side. I am paying a good salary to them in each month. With folded hands, I am requesting you [specially-abled persons] to stand up and show some courage and believe me you will be more successful than normal people. It is not a time to sit at home but to come out and ponder sea of opportunities,” he said.

He said it could be inspiration for thousands of disabled persons that a differently-abled man is working despite being lifeless and working in his own unit.

“After remaining confined to room for more than seven years, I got very much depressed and finally decided not to give up and thought of earning livelihood. I remained committed also attained success in that,” he said.

The trend is becoming that most handicapped persons prefer begging over starting something on their own, he said and requested to everyone will be that stand on your legs so that you won’t be forced to beg.