Conservation Management Plan for wetlands of Kashmir Himalaya

The present work is about the Ecological communities where blue meets the green, i.e WETLANDS. The valley of Kashmir, an almost mountain valley containing fine alluvial and lacustrine soils, has a great network of rivers, streams lakes and wetlands and among these the wetlands assume a more significance despite land ameliorations for intensive paddy cultivation and other uses. A valuable wetland complex of this part of Himalayan wetlands makes it imperative to identify and prioritize some representative wetlands which urgently need conservation and judicious use. Among the wetlands of Kashmir, Hokera (also known as Hokersar) is enjoying a special status for being a protected wildlife reserve and Ramsar site. Salient features: *The objectives of study is to assess floristic diversity, life form composition and vegetation analysis through phyto-sociological studies as well as the extent of distribution of exotic species along with their role in ecosystem. *To evaluate the edaphic factors and water quality responsible for the growth and spatial distribution of plant. *To assess the ecological status of wetland. Prepare a conservation management plan for wetland.