SRINAGAR: Supporting nearly 10,000 fishermen families in North Kashmir, Wular Lake, once renowned, is now grappling for survival with half of its expanse desiccated due to persistent dry weather in the valley.
During winters, local fishermen from Kehne Usa, Zurimanz, Ashtangoo, Lankrishipora, Laharwalpora, and Kulhama villages harvest water chestnuts from the lake, securing their livelihoods.
Gulam Ahmad, a fisherman from Kehneusa village, lamented the dwindling water levels, describing the lake as resembling a mere stream. “We must navigate our boats to the Wular’s centre, employing oars in the scant water,” he said. “With no alternative income source, our community, traditionally reliant on the lake, now seeks alternative employment.”
Another resident, Ghulam Mohi-u-Din, bemoaned the decline in daily fish catches from 10 kgs to a mere one or two kgs, severely impacting their livelihoods.
He noted the absence of snow on the surrounding mountains, indicating the lake’s waning support for the community. “Our ancestors depended on this lake, teaching us to gather chestnuts and catch fish. Now, the community must find alternative means of earning a living,” Mohi-u-Din expressed.
Muhammad Sultan, 47, from Kulhama village, stressed the community’s illiteracy and sole dependence on the lake. He highlighted the adverse impact of increasing sewage on both the fishermen’s livelihoods and aquatic species. Sultan urged authorities to curb garbage disposal in nearby streams, contaminating Wular Lake.
Gulzar Ahmad, a fisherman, painted a grim picture of the situation, noting the lake’s drastic shrinkage. He shared, “In winter, a fisherman usually earns Rs 50,000- Rs 60,000 by harvesting chestnuts, but this year, they are confined to their homes.” Ahmad expressed desperation, saying, “We pray for early snowfall; otherwise, survival becomes a matter of begging.”
Nazir Ahmad, 38, voiced regret over the lake’s desiccation, acknowledging human responsibility. He highlighted decades of garbage dumping as a contributory factor, leaving the lake that once sustained them now in jeopardy.
Locals criticized the Wular Conservation Management Authority for prioritising migratory bird protection with CCTV cameras over safeguarding the lake-dependent community.
The absence of snowfall not only affects the fishermen’s livelihoods but also impacts the tourism industry in the valley, disappointing tourists seeking the famed Kashmir snowfall. The Meteorological Department of Kashmir has projected no significant western disturbance in J&K until January 24. (KNO)
