Srinagar, April 16 -- Srinagar- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over large-scale encroachment and ecological degradation of Hokersar wetland, warning that the Valley's key wetland is rapidly deteriorating and risks losing its "pristine glory."

In its audit report on conservation of lakes in Jammu and Kashmir for 2023-24, the CAG said over 2,528 kanals of the Hokersar wetland have been encroached upon for construction, plantations and agricultural use. Despite notices issued to violators, authorities failed to evict encroachers, pointing to weak enforcement and poor monitoring.

The report pulled up agencies for the absence of a comprehensive conservation and management plan, noting that reliance on f...