Wular Lake

Wular Lake : Recently, after a gap of nearly 30 years, lotuses have made a remarkable return to Wular Lake in Bandipora, bringing a heartening transformation to the iconic waterbody.

• About Wular Lake : Situated in Bandipora district, Jammu & Kashmir, about 50 km northwest of Srinagar.

o Geographical Significance: Largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia.

- Lies at an altitude of 1,580 meters at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain.

- Spans a total area of approximately 200 sq. km (24 km in length and 10 km in breadth).

- Formed due to tectonic activity and believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.

o Hydrology: Fed by the Jhelum River, it plays a key role in the Kashmir Valley’s water system. Acts as a natural flood absorption basin for the valley.

o Historical Feature: Contains Zaina Lank, a small island built by King Zainul-Abi-Din in the centre of the lake.

o Ecological Importance: Recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1990. A critical habitat for wintering, staging, and breeding birds, including: Black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, Short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle & Himalayan monal.

- Supports rich aquatic biodiversity and accounts for nearly 60% of the total fish production in Jammu & Kashmir.