Official neglect, climate stress and shrinking waters threaten Asia’s largest freshwater lake and the thousands who depend on it
Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a vital ecological lifeline in north Kashmir, is steadily losing its splendour, triggering serious environmental concerns and deepening uncertainty for thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on its waters.
Once a thriving wetland supporting rich biodiversity and sustaining generations of fishermen and water chestnut (Gor) farmers, Wular today bears visible signs of neglect and stress. Shrinking water levels, unchecked siltation, encroachments and erratic weather patterns have combined to accelerate the lake’s gradual decline, locals say.
Fishermen who have depended on Wular for decades report a sharp fall in fish stocks. “Earlier, a day’s catch was enough to feed our families and earn a decent income. Now, we return home with barely anything,” said a fisherman from Watlab village. Many attribute the decline to reduced water depth, pollution inflow from feeder streams and disruption of natural breeding cycles.
Water chestnut farmers echo similar concerns. Wular is one of the main sources of water chestnut cultivation in Kashmir, employing thousands during the harvesting season. However, farmers say unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and receding waters have made cultivation increasingly risky. “The lake is our only source of livelihood. If Wular dies, so do we,” said a farmer from the lake’s periphery.
Environmental experts warn that climate change has intensified existing problems. Irregular precipitation, rising temperatures and reduced snowfall in the catchment areas have altered the lake’s hydrology, further shrinking its expanse. Despite its designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, conservation measures on the ground remain fragmented and insufficient.
Residents allege that official attention has largely remained limited to paperwork, with little impact visible at the grassroots level. They stress the need for sustained desiltation, strict regulation of encroachments, pollution control and scientific water management to restore the lake’s health.
Beyond livelihoods, Wular plays a crucial role in flood moderation, groundwater recharge and maintaining ecological balance in the Kashmir Valley. Its degradation, experts caution, could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s environment and economy.
As Wular continues to recede, communities living along its shores remain caught between fading hope and an uncertain future, awaiting decisive action to save a lake that has sustained life in Kashmir for centuries.
Once a thriving wetland supporting rich biodiversity and sustaining generations of fishermen and water chestnut (Gor) farmers, Wular today bears visible signs of neglect and stress. Shrinking water levels, unchecked siltation, encroachments and erratic weather patterns have combined to accelerate the lake’s gradual decline, locals say.
Fishermen who have depended on Wular for decades report a sharp fall in fish stocks. “Earlier, a day’s catch was enough to feed our families and earn a decent income. Now, we return home with barely anything,” said a fisherman from Watlab village. Many attribute the decline to reduced water depth, pollution inflow from feeder streams and disruption of natural breeding cycles.
Water chestnut farmers echo similar concerns. Wular is one of the main sources of water chestnut cultivation in Kashmir, employing thousands during the harvesting season. However, farmers say unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spells and receding waters have made cultivation increasingly risky. “The lake is our only source of livelihood. If Wular dies, so do we,” said a farmer from the lake’s periphery.
Environmental experts warn that climate change has intensified existing problems. Irregular precipitation, rising temperatures and reduced snowfall in the catchment areas have altered the lake’s hydrology, further shrinking its expanse. Despite its designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, conservation measures on the ground remain fragmented and insufficient.
Residents allege that official attention has largely remained limited to paperwork, with little impact visible at the grassroots level. They stress the need for sustained desiltation, strict regulation of encroachments, pollution control and scientific water management to restore the lake’s health.
Beyond livelihoods, Wular plays a crucial role in flood moderation, groundwater recharge and maintaining ecological balance in the Kashmir Valley. Its degradation, experts caution, could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s environment and economy.
As Wular continues to recede, communities living along its shores remain caught between fading hope and an uncertain future, awaiting decisive action to save a lake that has sustained life in Kashmir for centuries.
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