Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: After successfully restoring a significant portion of Asia’s largest fresh water lake, Wullar, in Bandipora district, the Wullar Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) is now aiming to boost eco-tourism and enhance the livelihoods of the local community.
In an interview with the Daily Excelsior, the coordinator of WUCMA, Irfan Rasool, said that under the eco-restoration program, WUCMA has undertaken the removal of approximately 1.2 lakh willow trees that had infested Wullar Lake, reclaiming nearly 5 square kilometres through desiltation efforts. “We have removed 1 lakh, 20 thousand willow trees infesting the lake, restoring around 5 square kilometres of the lake. Additionally, we have conducted afforestation on a large scale for catchment restoration and treated the watersheds of Arin and Madhumati,” he said.
The coordinator emphasised the positive outcomes of the eco-restoration project initiated in 2011-2012. “In the first phase, we received approximately Rs 60 crores from the centre, and later, in 2019, we secured funding of Rs 200 crores. The major work was the dredging of the lake, resulting in the recovery of 3.5 square kilometres through desiltation,” he said.
Addressing the integration of the project with the local community’s livelihoods, particularly those residing on the lake’s banks, the coordinator mentioned their focus on eco-tourism, particularly bird watching. “We have developed the Wullar walkway and are in the process of creating parks at Delta 1 and 2. Two parks will soon be open to the public,” he added.
Discussing plans, the coordinator highlighted ongoing efforts, “We have prepared a DPR for the restoration of another 1 square kilometre, and dredging machines have already been deployed. The Zumenz village holds significant potential for eco-tourism, and footfall has increased since the development of the walkway. We are prioritising the development of the lakefront in Zumenz,” he said.
In terms of conservation measures, the coordinator mentioned, “In the initial phase, we demarcated the boundary of the lake, and now we are planning to consolidate. Chain-link fencing has been installed in vulnerable areas, and bunds have been constructed in other areas to prevent any ingress.
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