SRINAGAR: The Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) has approved an allocation of Rs 59.59 Crore for Phase-II to support the Integrated Management plan for the conservation of Wular Lake. The goal is to attract tourists, enhance the lake’s appeal, and restore its former grandeur.
Dr Owais Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, spoke to Kashmir News Observer (KNO) and stated that comprehensive efforts have been taken to safeguard and protect Wular Lake. The government has sanctioned a budget of Rs 59.59 Crore for the fiscal year 2023-24 to execute this work program.
Key initiatives within this program include water management, completing Wular Walkway Phase-II, implementing various eco-development projects, creating a cycling track around the lake, introducing water sports, and incorporating Shikara boats.
A holistic ecotourism plan for Wular Lake is in progress, demonstrating the government’s commitment to position the lake as a prominent tourist destination. Officials are dedicated to executing the conservation work plan with a focus on benefiting local communities.
Regarding the selection of locations for lake beautification, the DC mentioned that Zurimanz village, often referred to as “Bangladesh,” has been chosen as an ideal destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Plans include introducing water sports activities and various other initiatives.
A pedestrian pathway is currently under development around the lake, poised to captivate an increasing number of tourists. Further enhancements are planned for this phase.
Over the past 30 years, Wular Lake has faced a decline in its carrying capacity due to deforestation and encroachment, leading to water quality deterioration caused by the disposal of untreated sewage and solid waste. Issues like blocked inlet and outlet channels and forest degradation in the catchment areas have exacerbated the situation.
Although the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) was established for lake conservation in September 2012, substantial progress began only in May of the previous year. The project’s first phase, focused on ecotourism development, involves an expenditure of Rs 200 Crore from the Union Territory’s fund, with a total estimated project cost of Rs 1600 Crore.
In addition to land and water resource management, WUCMA is focused on preserving biodiversity, promoting ecotourism, creating a lake shoreline, establishing recreational parks, bird-watching spots, and constructing the Wular Boulevard.
Recently, the second meeting of the WUCMA was chaired by Principal Secretary for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Dheeraj Gupta. The meeting included a review of progress on various wetland conservation projects, notably the Integrated Management Plan for Conservation of Wular Lake.
Principal Secretary Gupta instructed WUCMA officers to implement all necessary measures for the preservation and conservation of Wular Lake. He emphasized the significance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance, playing roles in water purification, flood control, biodiversity habitat, and contributing to J&K’s economy as popular tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, local residents are optimistic that the beautification of Wular Lake will attract an increasing number of tourists, ultimately bolstering the local economy. “We are wholly and solely dependent on this lake for our livelihoods, so its beautification is a source of great pride for us,” said Mohammad Ayaz, a resident of Banyeri village.
A few years ago, local residents had to abandon their fishing businesses due to their lack of profitability. “The widespread pollution in the lake had shattered the community’s confidence in pursuing this trade, and depending on the lake seemed inappropriate,” said Shahbaz Ahmad, another local resident. “There was a prevailing sense of despair as no one believed that the condition of Wular Lake could improve. However, the government’s restoration efforts have significantly transformed its status in just a few years,” he added.
Meanwhile, they have urged the government and the Bandipora district administration to accelerate the progress of the project to ensure its timely completion (KNO).
