Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed key achievements made on conservation and eco-restoration of the Wular Lake in a meeting at the Raj Bhavan, here on Wednesday.
The work of conservation and eco-restoration of the lake is being carried out by the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA).
The governor observed that the Wular Lake, which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia and a declared Ramsar site, “is a lifeline of Kashmir and critical for conservation of bio-diversity.”
He, according to an official handout, advised Gillani, CEO, WUCMA to expedite on priority, the dredging of the critically silted area for enhancing water holding capacity of the lake and its rejuvenation and “make all possible efforts for promoting eco tourism and generate livelihood opportunities from the lake as per its comprehensive management action plan.”
The governor directed time bound action for water management of the Wular and its associated wetlands as it protects the Kashmir Valley from floods as well as maintains the flow of water to support agriculture and hydro power generation.
The governor advised for efficient management of soil erosion, aquatic vegetation, and control of willow plantation within the lake area.
Gillani, CEO, WUCMA through a power point presentation informed the meeting that during the last six years several key achievements have been made under CMAP for the lake conservation and management including demarcation of lake to the extent of 98% wherein the boundary has been duly digitized.