SRINAGAR: For the first time in over three decades, lotus flowers are in full bloom on the shimmering waters of Wular Lake in north Kashmir, signaling not just an ecological revival but the return of a valuable local delicacy, Nadroo (lotus stem), that is already making its way into international markets.
The reappearance of lotuses is the result of years of dredging and de-siltation, an effort launched in 2020 by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA). For decades, Wular, Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a premiere Ramsar site, had suffered the consequences of severe siltation caused by floods in 1992 and 2014, leading to the decline of its aquatic biodiversity and choking off the growth of native vegetation like lotus.
Now, a vibrant patch near Garoora village, about 57 km from Srinagar, has witnessed a resurgence of lotus blooms across 2–3 square kilometers of lake surface. While the recovery is localised, it represents a pivotal moment for the lake’s health.
“The lotus bloom is an indicator towards the revival of Wular Lake,” said MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, who acknowledged both the significance of the bloom and the challenges that remain in managing such a vast ecosystem.
Covering nearly 200 square kilometers, Wular Lake is a vital ecological and economic asset for Kashmir. Declared a Ramsar site in 1990, it is home to fish, water chestnuts (singhara), and Nadroo, each contributing significantly to local livelihoods. Fish from Wular accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the Valley’s fish production, and Nadroo from this lake is considered superior in quality compared to that from Dal and Anchar lakes in Srinagar.
Currently, over 5,200 fishermen are registered with WUCMA, reflecting the scale of dependency on the lake. In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in both fish and Nadroo production, offering hope to communities around Bandipora and Sopore.
Officials credit the ecological recovery to the massive clearing operation: 4–5 sq km of lake bed have been de-silted so far, and 79 lakh cubic meters of silt have been removed. The lotus revival also benefited from proactive steps taken by the Authority, including planting lotus seeds in de-silted zones and constructing retention basins to prevent further sediment inflow from tributaries like Nalla Erin and Nalla Madhumati.
Yet, Wular’s revival is still fragile. The lake continues to face threats from unregulated waste, a choked spring near Watlab, and damaged riverbanks of the Jhelum, which feeds into it. Officials admit that more coordinated management and resources are necessary to sustain progress.
Adding to its emerging appeal is the newly developed sunset point at the lake, which hints at future ecotourism prospects.
The return of lotus is not only a visual delight but also a symbol of resilience and renewal, a rare success story in environmental restoration that now carries with it the promise of economic resurgence for thousands whose lives are intertwined with Wular Lake.
