Excelsior Correspondent
Bandipora, Nov 23: Nadru (lotus stem) has made a comeback to parts of Wular Lake in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district after more than two decades, creating new employment opportunities for locals and giving them a new hope.
Fishermen, who are the primary residents of the area, are now seen extracting nadru from the lake’s waters from morning until evening, a rare sight in the last 20 years.
The revival is being attributed to years of consistent efforts by authorities, particularly dredging and desilting operations, which have rejuvenated the lake and enabled nadru cultivation after a prolonged hiatus.
“We used to cultivate nadru here decades ago, but the lake’s condition deteriorated due to neglect and encroachments, making nadru cultivation impossible. Seeing it return is like a dream come true,” said Ghulam Qadir, a local resident.
This revival, the first in over 20 years, is being celebrated as a milestone in the conservation of Wular Lake and a significant boost for the local economy.
Nazir Ahmad, another resident who previously relied on fishing to support his family, called the return of nadru a “gift” made possible by the authorities’ sustained efforts.
“Unemployment is a big issue here. The reappearance of nadru gives us hope that it will help mitigate our economic struggles,” he said.
For hundreds of families in the Bandipora region, the resurgence of nadru has unlocked new income opportunities.
Nazir expressed gratitude to the authorities for restoring the lake and facilitating nadru cultivation, which had once been a fading memory.
The locals, who proudly associate their identity with nadru cultivation, expressed optimism for better days ahead.
However, they also stressed the need to tackle ongoing challenges that threaten the lake.
“Pollution and encroachments remain major threats. Sustained efforts are needed to ensure the lake’s conservation, so we don’t lose this treasure again,” the residents urged.
The locals further stated that there are several other spots in the lake where there is a need for dredging to improve its hydrology and give further boost to the nadru. “These measures must not stop at all; the radius of the measures must increase.”
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