Wular Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake in Jammu & Kashmir, is facing shrinkage and siltation, raising serious flood risks for the Kashmir Valley.

About Wular Lake

• Location: Situated in the Bandipore district of Jammu & Kashmir, approximately 50 km northwest of Srinagar.
  • Located at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain.

• Source and Formation: River Fed: Mainly fed by the Jhelum River.
  • Formation: Formed due to tectonic activity and is believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.
• Recognition: Declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.

Challenges Faced by the Lake

1. Shrinking Size and Capacity:
   • The lake’s open water surface significantly shrank from 89.59 sq km in 1911 to 15.73 sq km in 2013.
2. Causes:
   • Siltation from surrounding catchment areas.
   • Conversion of lake areas for agriculture, settlements, and plantations.
3. Flood Vulnerability:
   • 2014 Flood: Severe flooding submerged 853 sq km, impacting 2,600 villages and 30% of urban Kashmir.
4. Environmental Degradation:
   • Loss of valuable wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.
   • Increased sedimentation and silt deposits from floods, further decreasing the lake’s storage capacity.

Significance of Wular Lake

• Flood Control: Acts as a natural absorption basin for floodwaters, regulating the flow of the Jhelum River.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, including fish species like the Schizothorax (snow trout).
• • Provides habitat for migratory birds within the Central Asian Flyway, making it a critical site for bird conservation.
  • Home to rich biodiversity, including species like the Himalayan monal, short-toed eagle, and black-eared kite.
• Artificial Island: Zaina Lank: Built by King Zainul-Abi-Din, the eighth Sultan of Kashmir.
• Livelihoods: Supports the livelihoods of thousands of people through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
• Tourism: Attracts tourists for its scenic beauty, boating, and birdwatching opportunities.