Srinagar, Mar 05: The Jammu and Kashmir government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring the ecological health of Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a Ramsar site of international importance. In response to a query raised by legislator Mr. Irshad Rasool Kar, the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment provided a detailed update on the ongoing and planned conservation efforts under the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).
The government highlighted that WUCMA has been implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP) since its establishment in 2012. As part of this effort, the lake’s boundaries have been demarcated using GPS technology, with 1,159 geo-referenced concrete pillars marking an area of 130 square kilometers. In addition, 78.43 lakh cubic meters of silt have been dredged, restoring 5 square kilometers of the lake and enhancing its water-holding capacity.
To boost eco-tourism, Phase-I of the Non-Motorable Wular Walkway (spanning 2.5 km) is being developed at Baniyari and S.K. Payeen. This includes cycling tracks, lookout points, and jetties, with an investment of ₹18.73 crore. Phase-II of the project, which includes the development of additional cycling tracks at Watlab, Adipora, and Ninglee, is also in the pipeline, with funding already approved. Additionally, eco-tourism parks at Baniyari, Garoora, and Ninglee will be established at a cost of ₹12.10 crore.
The government assured that all conservation activities are being carried out in alignment with the Management Action Plan formulated by Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) to ensure minimal adverse effects on the local ecosystem. The National Institute of Hydrology (Roorkee) is conducting an impact study to assess the ecological effects of major restoration projects.
Recognizing Wular Lake’s role in contributing to 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production and supporting over 5,200 registered fishermen, the Fisheries Department is working closely with WUCMA to enhance fish stocks. A scientific study with SKUAST-Kashmir has been completed to assess fish biodiversity and catch-per-unit effort, to ensure better management of the lake’s fisheries resources.
In an effort to support local livelihoods, WUCMA, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), is identifying alternative economic opportunities beyond fishing. The authority is also promoting Shikara-boat tourism at Zurimanz and Watlab Ghat, along with conducting regular environmental awareness camps and birdwatching activities.
The government emphasized that these conservation initiatives aim to balance ecological restoration with socio-economic upliftment. By promoting eco-tourism and sustainable economic activities, the authorities aim to protect Wular Lake’s fragile ecosystem while creating employment opportunities for local communities.
With long-term plans in place—including continued dredging, habitat restoration, and tourism infrastructure development—WUCMA is dedicated to preserving Wular Lake’s ecological significance while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the people dependent on it.
