Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Cutting across the political lines, four Kashmir MLAs made a historic visit to Wular Lake to show solidarity with the fisherfolk community and pledge environmental protection efforts. The event, organized by Naseer Ahmed Dar, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, Bashir Ahmed, and Farooq Ahmed Dar, brought together MLAs Nizam-u-din Bhat (Bandipora), Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari), Irshad Ahmad Kar (Sopore), and Adv. Irfan Hafeez Lone (Wagoora-Kreeri). Their united stand addresses the challenges faced by the Wular Fisher Union and the broader fishing community.
Prominent Environmental activist Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool highlighted crucial issues affecting Wular Lake, such as pollution, habitat loss, and access rights. He emphasized the community’s need for equitable resource policies, like fishing and water chestnut harvesting rights, to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Rasool also praised former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s reforms, including the RTI Act, Public Service Guarantee Act, and the transformation of Tosamaidan, underscoring the need for continuous advocacy.
Each MLA underscored distinct but complementary commitments to the fisherfolk’s cause. Mr. Nizam-u-din Bhat promised efforts to secure land and resources for the community’s traditional practices, while Mr. Hilal Akbar Lone called for accountability within the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) to enhance transparency in resource management. Mr. Irshad Ahmad Kar stressed WUCMA’s need for better fund utilization to benefit the lake and fisherfolk alike. Adv. Irfan Hafeez Lone promoted nature-based tourism, highlighting his work securing land for fisherfolk housing to provide long-term stability.
The event also brought attention to the stark ecological decline of Wular Lake, once home to 63 fish species, now reduced to just 13, with iconic species and the lotus stem lost. The lake’s area has shrunk from 269 to 149 square kilometers, worsening water quality and endangering fish populations.
In this landmark meeting, policymakers and the community expressed a unified dedication to conserving Wular Lake while securing sustainable livelihoods. The Wular Fisher Union extended heartfelt thanks to the MLAs, Dr. Rasool, and other dignitaries for their advocacy and commitment. This gathering signals a renewed hope for the community’s welfare and Wular’s environmental future.
