In nature’s dance, birds gracefully glide,
Their harmony with Earth, a joyous ride.
Amongst the trees, their songs unite,
A symphony of life, pure and bright.
In every flutter, nature’s tale unfolds,
A testament to wonders, as nature holds.
Together they thrive, in tranquil accord,
A sight to cherish, is nature’s grand reward.
The morning mist swirled around me, carrying the sweet song of a hundred unheard melodies. I stood at the edge of the Gharana Wetlands(near RS Pura in Jammu district), a familiar yet transformed landscape etched into my memory from a visit eight years back. Back then, despair had painted the picture – encroached upon, choked by neglect, a sanctuary teetering on the brink. But today, the air thrummed with a different energy, a symphony of chirps and calls that painted a vibrant tableau of hope. My heart swelled at the sight. The wetlands, sprawled across the vast plains, were no longer a victim of neglect. Lush greenery fringed the clear waters, and a sturdy fence guarded its boundaries, a testament to the tireless efforts of wildlife authorities. The sight of migratory birds, their wings flashing like jewels against the azure sky, brought tears to my eyes. Bar-headed geese honked their arrival, their honking a joyous fanfare announcing their return to a haven reborn.
This metamorphosis was tangible as well as visible. The formerly depressingly thick air was now alive with vibrancy. Every sound produced by the local birds and insects—such as their humming and rhythmic croaking—was indicative of a healthy ecology. I saw a proud-looking local official as I proceeded down the designated route. He talked about how the government was committed to bringing back the wetland’s grandeur through the construction of eco-friendly properties, sewage treatment facilities, and community engagement initiatives. And what glory it was! The sun created a kaleidoscope of light and movement on the water by casting dappled shadows through the reeds. My attention was drawn to a flash of green – a kingfisher, its iridescent feathers glistening as if they were dreaming. Perched on a solitary bush, a magnificent heron looked over its territory with a royal bearing. Every moment was an opportunity to take a picture, to tell a tale that needed to be told.
During these excursions into nature, my camera has remained a faithful friend and a conduit between myself and the outside world. A bunch of kids gathered; their eyes bright with interest as I zoomed in on a bevy of geese. All sorts of questions were thrown at me, including “What’s that bird called?” and “How does your camera work?” and “Can I take a picture too?” Their bewildered, innocent looks reflected the way the wetlands changed.
The quote from Swami Vivekananda that I learnt in school rang in my ears was, “The more you impart the light of knowledge, the more you learn.” I gave them a lesson on photography, the value of conservation, and the delicate balance of nature for the next hour. Their contagious laughter and eager gaze made me feel happy beyond the breath-taking scenery.
I realised that this was more than simply a visit as the day progressed, transforming the sky into blue and gold hues. It was a homecoming. The Gharana Wetlands, which were before seen as a sign of hopelessness, have transformed into a tribute to the strength of group effort. As someone who saw it change, I also felt a fresh sense of purpose: to tell its story and encourage people to take care of the environment; because when we educate and share, we not only pass on knowledge but also develop ourselves and make a connection to something far greater than ourselves—the symphony of life. The journey to the Gharana Wetlands was more than simply an artistic treat; it was a spiritual feast that served as a reminder that beauty can be restored, and optimism can triumph even in the face of hardship. As I departed, the sounds of the birds, the memories of the kids laughing, and the sight of the restored wetlands lingered in my mind, offering me hope for a time when people and the natural world could coexist together.
Musings of a Wanderer 