Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Feb 10: The Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is not only the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia but also plays a significant role in contributing to fish consumption in the valley.
In an exclusive conversation with Kashmir Despatch, the Director of Fisheries, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, stated that approximately 60 percent of fish consumed in the valley comes from Wular Lake. He mentioned that there are over 12,000 registered fishermen who depend on fishing in the lake for their livelihoods.
He said that these fishermen usually have a stable catch; however, this year, due to natural disasters, the water level in Wular Lake has decreased. Nevertheless, this has not adversely affected the fishing community because around 60 percent of fish consumption in the entire valley originates from Wular Lake.
He emphasized that for those fishermen who earn their livelihoods from Wular Lake, the department has implemented various schemes, including central government initiatives, through which the department is providing financial aid of 3,000 per year. Additionally, there are other schemes available for registered fishermen.
He stated that the government remains committed to aiding them through different schemes, and efforts are always being made to specifically protect fish that lay eggs in order to increase production and benefit the fishing community.
The officer mentioned that the department is continually striving to support these fishermen, and this year, around 13 three-wheelers have been provided to facilitate their marketing efforts.
The officer explained that with these three-wheelers, fishermen can now transport their catch to various markets, thereby enhancing their livelihoods.
He also noted that the department has stocked around 600,000 fish this year, and that number is expected to increase in the future to promote more fishing and improve the income of these fishermen.
The officer added that the department has conducted numerous awareness camps over the past few years with fishermen to educate them and combat illegal fishing, aiming to protect Wular Lake.
The officer, however, warned that anyone found involved in illegal fishing will be dealt with strictly. More importantly, efforts are underway to save and protect Wular Lake.
Pertinently, Wular Lake is a also very important ecological zone and houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. Wetlands and marshes surrounding the lake become homes for different varieties of birds, fish, and plants.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
