11/04/2026
Wular Lake Revival Accelerates: 5 Sq Km Restored, Over 1.31 Lakh Willow Trees Removed in J&K
By Anil Kumar | JK VOICE24 NEWS
Jammu, April 11: In a major environmental achievement, authorities have significantly advanced the restoration of Wular Lake—one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a designated Ramsar site—by reclaiming nearly five square kilometres of critically silted area in north Kashmir.
Officials stated that an extensive desiltation drive has successfully removed around 7.843 million cubic metres of accumulated silt, substantially enhancing the lake’s water-holding capacity and restoring its natural ecological balance. The initiative is considered a key step in strengthening flood management and preserving the wetland ecosystem.
As part of a scientifically planned conservation strategy, more than 1.31 lakh willow trees have been selectively removed. Authorities clarified that this process is not deforestation but an ecological restoration measure aimed at eliminating invasive vegetation that disrupts the natural wetland environment.
To prevent further encroachments and enhance flood protection, embankments along approximately 15 kilometres of vulnerable stretches have been strengthened. This intervention is expected to provide critical support to communities living around the lake.
In addition to ecological restoration, the project also focuses on sustainable development and eco-tourism. A 2.5-kilometre non-motorable walkway between Banyari and SK Payeen is being developed, featuring cycling tracks and designated viewing points. Parks at key locations, including Banyari, Gurura, and Ningli in Sopore, are also under construction to promote tourism while preserving the environment.
Authorities have also completed the scientific demarcation of the lake boundary by installing 1,159 geo-referenced RCC pillars using advanced GPS and remote sensing technology. The lake spans a revenue area of approximately 130 square kilometres, ensuring better protection and monitoring against encroachments.
Security and surveillance infrastructure has been upgraded with the installation of CCTV-equipped watch towers, with additional cameras planned to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
Under the Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP), around 1.91 lakh willow trees were identified for removal in the first phase, of which nearly 1.35 lakh have already been cleared. The process has also generated revenue of approximately ₹31.95 crore, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, large-scale afforestation initiatives continue in the lake’s catchment areas. Since 2012, more than 1.9 million plants have been planted across over 2,900 hectares in Bandipora. These efforts are playing a crucial role in soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and reducing sediment flow into the lake.
Officials emphasized that this integrated conservation approach is not only restoring the ecological health of Wular Lake but also enhancing flood resilience, protecting biodiversity, and opening new avenues for sustainable eco-tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
