SRINAGAR, MARCH 05: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced significant conservation and eco-tourism initiatives for Wular Lake, with ₹18.73 crore allocated for restoration efforts, including dredging and the construction of a walkway.
For the next financial year, an additional ₹22.09 crore has been earmarked for new projects such as eco-tourism facilities, cycling tracks, and other developments, as stated by the Minister in charge of the Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department in a written response to queries by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar.
The minister highlighted that the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) has been actively implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP) since its establishment in 2012. He noted the completion of lake boundary demarcation with the installation of 1,159 geo-referenced concrete pillars using GPS and remote sensing technology. The lake’s total revenue area stands at 130 sq km, and a significant restoration effort has been undertaken by dredging 78.43 lakh cubic metres of silt, which has enhanced the lake’s water-holding capacity.
Regarding eco-tourism, the government is undertaking key projects, including a 2.5 km Non-Motorable Walkway (Phase-I) with cycling tracks, lookout points, and jetties at Banyari and S.K. Payeen, being executed by the R&B Department at a cost of ₹18.73 crore. Plans for Phase-II, with a ₹9.99 crore investment, are set for the next financial year. Cycling tracks from Watlab, Adipora, and Ninglee are under DPR development and will be executed by R&B Sopore. Additionally, eco-tourism parks at Banyari, Garoora, and Ninglee have been tendered for execution at a total cost of ₹12.10 crore.
The minister assured that all restoration and development work adheres to guidelines set by Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) under CMAP, ensuring no harm to aquatic life or biodiversity. An impact study is being conducted by the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, to assess major interventions and recommend corrective measures if needed.
Wular Lake contributes 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production, supporting 5,200 registered fishermen. While fisheries management falls under the Fisheries Department, WUCMA has initiated scientific studies, including research by SKUAST-Kashmir on fish biodiversity and a study by IIM to explore additional livelihood opportunities for local fishermen and nearby communities.
To balance conservation with socio-economic development, WUCMA is actively promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable livelihood avenue. The development of eco-tourism hubs at Zurimanz and Watlab Ghat is transforming these locations into Shikara-boat tourism destinations. The construction of walkways and cycling tracks is expected to boost tourism while also preventing encroachments and ensuring the long-term protection of Wular Lake’s ecosystem. The minister also noted that the government is organising birdwatching camps and environmental awareness programmes to engage local communities in conservation efforts.