Srinagar, Feb. 4 -- Wetlands are not wastelands but vital biodiversity hotspots that provide critical habitats for countless plant and animal species. Wildlife Department of Kashmir said on Monday. It called for stronger conservation efforts and an urgent need to preserve these natural ecosystems for future generations.

Officials said that wetlands play an indispensable role in protecting and improving water quality, providing habitats for fish and wildlife, storing floodwaters, and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

"Wetlands are unique, productive ecosystems where terrestrial and aquatic habitats meet. They are crucial for maintaining natural cycles and supporting diverse biodiversity. Acting as natural sponges, they h...