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Kashmir’s wetlands draw 13 lakh birds, but who treats injured wildlife?

Kashmir’s wetlands draw 13 lakh birds, but who treats injured wildlife?

Migratory birds arrived in the wetlands of Kashmir, drawing 13 lakh birds to the region. The large influx of migratory birds raises critical questions about rescue operations and medical care for injured wildlife in the area. Observers and wildlife enthusiasts asked about the availability of specialised veterinary facilities, rescue equipment, and trained personnel to treat wounded birds visiting the wetlands during the seasonal migration. The wildlife department faces challenges in managing wounded animals across multiple wetland sites without dedicated avian medical units. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for establishing dedicated treatment centres for injured migratory birds, leaving local rescue workers to handle cases with limited resources. Animal welfare advocates can urge the forest department to set up emergency rescue camps and permanent veterinary care units near major wetlands to protect the birds during the winter season.

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