• After nearly 25 years, a carpet of pink and green lotus beds has reappeared in Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir, marking the first significant bloom since the catastrophic floods of 1992.
• This development is considered a sign of ecological revival in the region.
• Wular Lake is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 1,580 meters above sea level.
• It is a freshwater lake fed by the Jhelum River and extends over an area of about 200 square kilometers, measuring approximately 24 kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in width. Geologically, the lake was formed due to tectonic activity and is believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.
• It also hosts the historical Zaina Lank island, built by King Zainul-Abidin. Recognizing its ecological importance, Wular Lake was declared a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) in 1990.
• Ecologically, Wular Lake is a biodiversity hub. It serves as an important wintering and breeding ground for bird species such as the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, and Himalayan monal.
• It also contributes significantly to fisheries, supporting over 60 percent of the total fish production in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The lake plays a crucial role in regulating hydrology, acting as a natural flood basin, and sustaining local livelihoods through fishing and lotus harvesting.