Wular Revival

Wular Lake, one of India’s 75 Ramsar-designated wetlands, faces numerous environmental challenges, including the conversion of large sections of its catchment areas into agricultural land, pollution from fertilizers and animal waste, hunting of waterfowl and migratory birds, and the spread of weeds within the lake itself. Despite these issues, plans are underway to develop Wular Lake into a major tourism destination. As the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia, Wular Lake’s natural beauty and cultural importance make it a prime candidate for both conservation and tourism promotion. Spanning over 130 square kilometers, Wular Lake offers abundant opportunities for various water-based activities, including boating and fishing. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous fish species, such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio), rosy barb (Barbus conchonius), mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and various snow trout species from the genera Schizopyge and Schizothorax. More than 8,000 fishermen depend on the lake for their livelihoods, primarily catching endemic Schizothorax species and non-native carp. Recently, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting of the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) to evaluate the measures taken for cleaning and beautifying the lake, as well as to boost tourism. The meeting revealed that the total lake area is around 130 square kilometers, with the entire 84-kilometer periphery demarcated by geo-tagged boundary pillars. So far, 11 kilometers of vulnerable boundary have been reinforced with bunds and chain-link fencing, and plans are in place to cover an additional 15 kilometers this year to prevent encroachment. Additionally, 5 square kilometers of the lake area have been dredged at a cost of Rs 196 crore, with plans to dredge another 22 square kilometers of critically silted areas. A revenue-based model is being developed to ensure the completion of this task. To promote tourism and generate livelihoods, a 2.5-kilometer non-motorable walkway is under construction by the R&B Department and is expected to be completed by October this year. Furthermore, a Delta Park at Baniyari and a Dyke Park at Garoora are under development. Water fountains near vantage points are set to be completed this year, along with extending the walkway by another 2.5 kilometers from Naz Nallah to Vantage and developing the Watlab-Adipora-Ninglee cycle track. Regarding pollution control measures, five real-time water quality monitoring systems will be installed through JK PCC/DEERS this year. Of the 23 inlets that bring water into the lake, six have been prioritized for treatment using artificial wetlands technology. WUCMA is collaborating with RUDA on a solid waste management program that includes the collection, segregation, and disposal of waste scientifically. In the first phase, three villages (S.K. Payeen, Garoora, and Zurimanz) have been selected as pilots for this initiative. Therefore, the conservation and promotion of Wular Lake require comprehensive and sustained efforts. Addressing environmental challenges, enhancing the lake’s natural beauty, and promoting tourism can transform Wular Lake into a model of sustainable development. The ongoing initiatives, if successfully implemented, will not only preserve this ecological treasure but also improve the livelihoods of the local communities.