Srinagar, Oct 11, Oct. 12 -- As migratory birds arrive in Kashmir for winter, encroachment, sewage pollution and weak conservation measures threaten the wetlands that provide vital habitats along the Central Asian Flyway. Hokersar, a major wintering ground for migratory waterbirds, faces particular concern after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit documented 2,528.10 kanals of encroachment. The audit, covering April 2017 to March 2022, also highlighted deficiencies in pollution control, wetland demarcation and conservation planning.The Asian Waterbird Census conducted in February 2026 covered 27 wetlands at 58 counting points, involving more than 350 researchers, students, birdwatchers and volunteers.Wildlife officials said the ...