Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,( DD): The Jammu and Kashmir government has refuted claims that the ecological decline of Wular Lake is adversely affecting the local fishing community, stating that the lake remains a crucial source of fish production in the region.
In response to a query raised by MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, the Minister In-Charge of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department informed the legislative assembly that Wular Lake continues to contribute nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish output. Additionally, it supports the livelihoods of approximately 5,200 registered fishermen, many of whom depend on the lake for their daily earnings.
Steady Growth in Fish Production
Contrary to concerns over the lake’s declining condition, official data reveals a consistent increase in fish production over the past three years.
In 2021-22, the total fish catch stood at 2,941.68 metric tonnes (MT), comprising 779.76 MT of local fish and 2,161.92 MT of carp.
The following year, 2022-23, saw a significant rise, with total production reaching 3,826.39 MT, including 818.25 MT of local fish and 3,008.14 MT of carp.
The highest production was recorded in 2023-24, with a total yield of 4,593.86 MT. This included 1,215.25 MT of local fish and 3,378.61 MT of carp, marking a notable increase in both categories.
The minister emphasized that these figures indicate a positive trend in fish production and dismissed concerns that the lake’s degradation has severely impacted the livelihood of fishermen.
Concerns Over Wular’s Ecological Health
Despite the government’s claims, environmentalists and local fishermen have long raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of Wular Lake, citing issues such as silt accumulation, pollution, encroachments, and shrinking water levels. Experts warn that these factors, if left unaddressed, could pose long-term threats to both aquatic biodiversity and the livelihoods of the fishing community.
While the government acknowledges the need for conservation efforts, it maintains that ongoing projects aimed at lake restoration, dredging, and pollution control will ensure Wular continues to sustain both the fishing industry and the broader ecosystem.
For now, the government insists that Wular Lake remains a thriving hub of fish production, offering economic sustenance to thousands of fishermen across Kashmir. However, environmentalists stress that sustainable conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the lake’s long-term health and productivity.(DD)