Suhail Rather
Srinagar, Feb 10 (KNS): Wular Lake, situated in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is a major source of fish for the valley, supplying 60% of the total fish supply.
Showkat Ahmad Bhat, the Director of Fisheries Kashmir, told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the lake supplies around 60% of the total fish consumed in the J&K.
Bhat said that more than 12,000 registered fishermen rely on Wular Lake for their income. Although the lake’s water levels are lower this year due to less snowfall and rainfall, fishing activities have not been affected.
To help fishermen, the Fisheries Department has launched various support programs which include financial aid of ?3,000 per year. The department has also provided 13 three-wheelers to make it easier to transport fish to markets, helping fishermen earn more, he added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
To increase fish production, Bhat said the department has stocked the lake with 600,000 fish this year with plans to expand these efforts.
He said that awareness programs are also being conducted to educate fishermen about sustainable fishing. Strict actions are also being taken against illegal fishing.
Apart from being a key source of income, Wular Lake is home to many types of fish, birds, and plants. It is an important ecological area, and authorities are working to protect its biodiversity while supporting the fishing community.
He hopes that more rainfall will help restore the water levels. The government remains dedicated to preserving Wular Lake and ensuring that those who depend on it continue to earn their livelihood, he added. (KNS)