Wular Lake Contribution to J&K Fish Production

• 12 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

The Jammu and Kashmir government dismissed reports claiming that the degradation of Wular Lake has had a negative impact on the fishing community. 

 Key Points 

• Discussion on Wular Lake and Its Impact on Fishermen: 
  • A question was raised in the Assembly regarding the impact of Wular Lake's deterioration on the fishing community. 
  • The Minister In-Charge of Forest, Ecology & Environment Department denied claims of adverse effects on fishermen in a written reply. 
  • He stated that Wular Lake contributes nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production. 
  • The lake currently supports 5,200 registered fishermen, and fish production has increased over the past three years. 
• Fish Production Statistics: 
  • In 2023-24, the fish production recorded was: 
    • 1,215.25 metric tonnes (MT) of local fish 
    • 3,378.611 MT of carp 
• Restoration Efforts for Wular Lake: 
  • In response to another query on restoring Wular Lake’s pristine condition, the minister highlighted significant conservation measures undertaken. 
  • The government recognizes Wular Lake as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. 
• Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA): 
  • The government has established the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) to oversee lake restoration. 
  • WUCMA has been implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP), which includes: 
    • Survey and demarcation of the wetland. 
    • Improving water regimes of Wular and associated wetlands to restore ecological services and economic benefits. 
    • Biodiversity conservation efforts to maintain the lake’s environmental balance. 

 Ramsar Convention 

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO, aimed at conserving wetlands of international importance.  
  • In India, it came into force on 1st February 1982, under which wetlands of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites. 
• Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.  
  • It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.