Bandipora: Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir and Chief Executive Director, Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), Irfan Rasool Wani, along with senior officials, visited Wular Lake to review ongoing ecological restoration, conservation and eco-tourism development works at the lake.
During the visit, Wani inspected various eco-tourism facilities developed around Wular Lake, including parks, gazebos, walking tracks, viewpoints and other visitor amenities aimed at promoting sustainable tourism while preserving the lake’s ecological significance.
Reviewing the progress of ongoing works, he stressed upon the executing agencies to ensure that there is no compromise on quality work and directed them to complete all projects within the stipulated timeframe.
He emphasized that timely completion and high standards of execution are essential for achieving the objectives of conservation and tourism development.
Wani further directed officials to maintain the highest standards in all ongoing development works so that the facilities created serve visitors effectively while protecting the lake’s fragile ecosystem.
Highlighting the importance of Wular Lake, Wani said that the lake is not only Asia’s largest freshwater lake but also one of Kashmir’s most important ecological assets. He noted that Wular plays a vital role in regulating the hydrological regime of the Jhelum River, supporting biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, providing livelihoods to thousands of people and acting as a natural buffer against floods. He stressed that the conservation and restoration of Wular Lake is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring environmental sustainability in the Kashmir Valley.
He reiterated that ecological restoration remains the foremost priority of the authority and called for sustained efforts to preserve and rejuvenate the wetland.
The visit reaffirmed WUCMA’s commitment towards balancing environmental conservation with eco-friendly tourism development, ensuring the long-term preservation of Wular Lake and its surrounding ecosystem while promoting it as a model destination for sustainable tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
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