Shallabug Wetland Conservation Reserve is located in the District Srinagar, UT of J&K. It is situated in the deltaic region of the Sindh Nallah, about 18 km from Srinagar to the west of the Anchar Lake. It is an important aquatic ecosystem of Kashmir Himalaya and covers an area of
1675 hectares. The depth of the water varies from 0.3 to 2.0 m, and the water level fluctuates considerably according to the rainfall and snowmelt. Large areas of the wetland dry up between September and March. The area has extensive reedbeds of Phragmites communis and
Typha angustata, and rich growth of Nymphaea candida and N. stellata on open water. Lemna sp. forms mats over the surface in some areas, while adjacent areas have willow plantations and paddy fields. It harbours a rich diversity of resident and migratory avifaunal species as well as macrophytes of high socio-economic importance. Supplementary food like molluscs, fishes, and insects are also available in plenty. Shallabugh Wildlife Conservation/ Wetland Reserve is one of the very important Wetland Conservation Reserves falling within the River Jhelum basin and plays a significant role as a flood absorption basin, biodiversity conservation site, Eco-tourist destination, and livelihood security for local communities. The average elevation of the Wetland is 1580m AMSL. It serves as an abode to more than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species. Due to undesirable and excessive silting/ sedimentation, the very existence of the Wetland is under severe threat. The maximum sediment accumulation share is from Anchar inlets which carry a high suspended load. Continuous siltation has decreased the depth of the wetland accompanied by a decrease in water levels. The willow plantations at places have also added to the siltation and accumulation of nutrients in the wetland and changed its wetland characteristics. Consequent to the high rate of siltation, the Wetland has lost its wetland characteristics to a large extent, and at many places