Tauseef Ahmad
Srinagar, Apr 23: The long-pending Tulbul Navigation Project is under active consideration of the government and could see progress soon, Chief Executive Director of WUCMA and Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, on Thursday said.
Irfan Rasool made the remarks during an extensive visit to Wular Lake, while he also spoke to the Kashmir Despatch during and reviewed ongoing conservation and developmental works at multiple locations. He said efforts are underway to revive and strengthen ecological as well as infrastructure interventions around the lake.
“The consultancy project going on in Tullbul will be completed soon,” he added.
Highlighting environmental concerns, Wani said the decline in water levels in Wular during spring seasons is increasingly linked to climate change, impacting the lake’s hydrology and biodiversity.
The Tulbul Navigation Project, also known as the Wular Barrage was originally conceived in the 1980s to regulate water flow in the Jhelum River and ensure navigability during lean seasons. Work began in 1984 but was halted in 1989 following objections from Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty and the outbreak of militancy.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly that the government is working with the Centre to revive the long-stalled project, expressing hope that work could begin soon. He said the project could not move forward earlier due to restrictions under the Indus Waters Treaty but renewed efforts are now underway.
The project aims to regulate water flow by storing water in Wular during high discharge periods and releasing it in lean months, thereby maintaining a consistent water level in the Jhelum and improving navigation.
Locals around Wular Lake have long demanded revival of the Tulbul project, saying it would help maintain water levels in the lake, boost fish production, and improve water chestnut () yield, key sources of livelihood in the region.
“We have been waiting for this project for years. If it is completed, it will help keep water levels stable and increase fish catch,” said a local fisherman.
Another resident said, “Our livelihoods depend on the lake. Reviving Tulbul will not only help fishing but also improve production and overall income for people here.”
Pertient, to mention, the water level in the lake in the month had decreased according to the locals, who added that the decrease has affected fish catch and has affected their livelihoods.
Officials said conservation measures and eco-restoration works are being carried out in parallel, with a focus on improving the lake’s ecological health while exploring long-term solutions like the Tulbul project.
