Dredging, Water Quality Monitoring Underway at Wular Lake
TAUSEEF AHMAD
Srinagar, May 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that 1,810 water bodies have been identified across the Union Territory, as it outlined a series of conservation measures to protect wetlands and lakes from pollution and environmental degradation.
The information was provided in response to a starred question raised by MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar in the House.
In its written reply, the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department said the identified water bodies include major lakes such as Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Anchar Lake, Khushal Sar and Hokersar Wetland.
The government said 554 water bodies have an area greater than one hectare, while 1,256 are smaller than one hectare, indicating the extensive network of wetlands and small water bodies spread across the region.
Replying to the second part of the question regarding steps taken to protect these water bodies, the department said several conservation and management measures are being implemented for notified wetlands. It added that five wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir have been designated as Ramsar Sites of international importance.
According to the government, major conservation interventions include de-weeding of wetlands, strengthening and construction of embankments, restoration of hydrological channels, development of patrolling infrastructure, installation of trash barriers and regular removal of excessive aquatic vegetation.
The reply also highlighted efforts to improve the ecological health of Wular Lake through the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA). Measures undertaken include closure of dumping sites near the lake, solid waste management initiatives, awareness campaigns, boundary demarcation, lake restoration through dredging, removal of willow plantations and regular water quality monitoring.
The government further informed the House that the Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing wing has started detailed mapping of wetlands larger than one hectare using remote sensing data, followed by ground verification and boundary demarcation in coordination with revenue and wildlife departments. So far, 170 wetlands have been mapped and uploaded to the National Wetland Portal.
Financial support for conservation works has been provided under various schemes, including ₹900 lakh under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems and ₹14,647 lakh under the UT Capex budget for the conservation and management of Wular Lake, besides funds allocated for soil and water conservation works.
