Kashmir’s 60 % fish production from Wular Lake: Govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday denied the reports that the deterioration of Wular Lake has adversely impacted the fishermen community.

Bandipore MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat had asked a question in the Assembly session whether the fishermen were adversely impacted by Wular deterioration. He also asked about the steps intended to be taken for support and upliftment of the said community.

Minister In-Charge, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, in a written reply on Tuesday, while denying the claim of adverse impact, said the Wular contributes nearly 60 per cent of Kashmir’s total fish production.

According to the minister, the lake supports the livelihood of 5,200 registered fishermen and the fish catch (in MT) over the last three years has increased. In 2023-24, the production was recorded at 1,215.25 MT of local fish and 3,378.611 MT of carp.

To another question, whether the government contemplates restoring the pristine glory of the Lake, the minister stated that significant steps have been taken for restoration and conservation of Wular Lake, a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. He also said the Government has constituted Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) for management of the lake, which has been implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP).

Under the CMAP, the minister said, steps taken include wetland survey and demarcation; improve water regimes of Wular and associated wetlands to restore ecological services and economic benefits as well as biodiversity conservation.