Jammu, April 11: Conservation and restoration works at north Kashmir’s Wular Lake—one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a designated Ramsar site—have reclaimed around five square kilometres of critically silted area as part of a large-scale ecological revival programme, officials said.

According to the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WCMA), the ongoing scientific restoration drive has also included the removal of nearly 1.31 lakh willow trees in a phased and selective manner to restore the lake’s natural wetland character.
Officials said nearly 78.43 lakh cubic metres of silt have been dredged so far, significantly improving the lake’s water-holding capacity and helping restore its ecological balance. The desiltation work has been described as one of the largest wetland restoration interventions in the region.
To strengthen protection against encroachments and seasonal flooding, bunds have been reinforced along approximately 15 kilometres of vulnerable stretches surrounding the lake, providing both ecological stability and safety to nearby communities.
As part of eco-tourism and infrastructure development, the authority has constructed a 2.5-km non-motorable walkway at Banyari–SK Payeen, featuring cycling tracks and viewing points. Multiple eco-parks are also being developed, including Delta Park at Baniyari, Gurura Park, and Eco-Park at Ningli, Sopore, with investments running into several crores.
Officials further stated that boundary demarcation of the lake has been completed through the installation of 1,159 geo-referenced RCC pillars using GPS and remote sensing technology, clearly defining the lake’s revenue area of 130 sq km to prevent future encroachments.
Two watchtowers equipped with CCTV cameras have already been installed, while additional surveillance systems are being added to enhance monitoring and protection.
On willow removal, officials clarified that the exercise is part of a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP) and is aimed at ecological restoration, not deforestation. They said the removal is selective and phased, targeting invasive growth that hampers the lake’s natural hydrology.
The total number of willow trees in and around Wular Lake is estimated at 19–21 lakh. Under the approved plan, only identified patches are being cleared in stages, with around 1.35 lakh trees already removed in the first phase. The initiative has also generated revenue of approximately ₹31.95 crore.
Officials added that compensatory afforestation is being carried out in the catchment areas in coordination with the Forest Department under CAPEX and CAMPA schemes. Since 2012, nearly 19 lakh saplings have been planted, significantly contributing to soil conservation, slope stabilisation, and reduction of sediment inflow into the lake.
In the Bandipora catchment, over 2,900 hectares have been treated through plantation and soil conservation measures, helping reduce erosion and improve long-term sustainability of the wetland ecosystem.
Officials said the ongoing restoration efforts aim to ensure Wular Lake regains its ecological vitality while balancing conservation with sustainable tourism and livelihood opportunities.