SRINAGAR: In a significant show of unity, four Kashmir lawmakers joined local stakeholders and the fishing community on Sunday to highlight the urgent need for preserving Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. The event, held at Zurimanz village on the lake’s banks, was organised by the Wular Fishermen Union, dedicated to advocating for the lake’s restoration amidst increasing environmental degradation.
The delegation comprised senior Congress leader and MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat; National Conference MLAs Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari) and Irshad Rasool Kar (Sopore); and MLA Kreeri, Irfan Hafeez Lone. Alongside them, union members, fishermen from neighbouring villages, and concerned community members gathered to address the lake’s severe environmental issues and the adverse impact on local livelihoods.
To underscore the extent of environmental decline, MLAs Bhat and Lone took a symbolic boat ride from Laharwalpora to Zurimanz. The ride illustrated Wular Lake’s deteriorating state, visibly marked by shrinking water levels, dense weed growth, and pollution. Once spanning approximately 217 square kilometres, the lake has steadily diminished due to encroachment, deforestation, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, which have worsened its water quality and biodiversity. The decline has also hit the local economy, primarily dependent on fishing and tourism.
The Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) has been working to restore the lake by desilting and other conservation efforts. However, the lawmakers and conservationists argue that WUCMA alone cannot address the scale of the crisis. Despite resources and coordination with departments such as Forest, Irrigation and Flood Control, and Soil Conservation, the authority has faced criticism for insufficient progress.
MLA Bandipora called for a collective approach, saying, “Wular Lake’s preservation cannot be achieved by WUCMA alone. It requires collaboration with local communities, government agencies, environmental experts, and NGOs to create a comprehensive conservation plan.”
Adding to the concern was the notable absence of Bandipora’s district administration at the event, which drew strong reactions from both the MLAs and community members. The district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, were invited, but their absence left the public disheartened, especially given the significance of the issue. Many attendees voiced frustration, stating that without the active participation of district officials, efforts to restore Wular Lake and secure local livelihoods would be hampered.
The MLAs criticised the district administration’s absence, noting, “The community relies on these departments as their guardians in such issues. Their absence reflects poorly on the priority given to public welfare in matters as critical as this.”
In response, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, clarified that the administration had not received a formal invitation to attend. “The District Administration was neither informed nor invited,” he stated, adding that MLA Nizamuddin Bhat had organised the event privately. The district administration later released a statement reiterating its commitment to support initiatives that benefit the environment and community.
As the community continues to advocate for Wular Lake’s preservation, the need for an organised, multi-stakeholder approach remains paramount. The MLAs urged district authorities to engage more directly in future conservation efforts and called for accountability in addressing public concerns.
Looking ahead, the lawmakers and conservationists are pushing for a stronger strategy to restore Wular Lake, emphasising that coordinated efforts are necessary to save this iconic lake, protect its unique biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of thousands dependent on it.
