Wular Lake, which forms a part of river Jhelum basin, is one of the largest freshwater lakes of Asia.
Not only this, the Lake’s associated wetlands support rich biodiversity and provides habitat to migratory birds within Central Asia flyover. It is also largest fisheries resource in Kashmir Valley, supporting livelihoods of large human population living along its fringes. Also importantly, the water body and its associated wetlands protect the Valley from floods as well as maintain the flow to support agriculture and hydro-power generation. However, over the past several decades, the water body is progressively shrinking. Unfortunately, it has not attracted the required attention despite the fact that the lake was designated as “Wetland of International Importance” under Ramsar Convention in 1990 in recognizing its importance for its biodiversity and socio-economic values. There are several reasons for ruins and some of them have been even well identified. However there has been little redeeming difference on the ground. Not only have encroachments continued with impunity, the water-body has gone through a sustained environmental degradation.
Not only people, some government agencies have contributed to its degradation. Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), constituted in 2012 by the government and task of conservation and preservation of the Lake, informed recently that Municipal Committee Sopore illegally dumped municipal solid waste within the demarcated area of the water body. Paradoxically the Municipal Committee also carried out “unauthorized construction” in the area and that too through another government department— R & B Division Sopore.
The Wetland Management and Conservation Rules provide that the wetlands shall be conserved and managed in accordance with the principle of “wise use” as determined by the Wetlands Authority. The rules explicitly prohibit activities such as encroachment of any kind, setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries besides Solid waste dumping including the discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, villages and other human settlements as well as any construction of a permanent nature.
There is need for speeding up conservation efforts to enhance the water-holding capacity of the lake. The water body demands more attention. Considering its existing plight, the lake should be an environmental priority for all—the people and the government. It is important to our existence and no one shall allow it to shrink further and extinct. It’s time that everyone gets serious about it.
Apathy Towards Wular Lake
