Wular Lake

Wular Lake Latest News

A carpet of pink and green lotus beds resurfaces in Jammu & Kashmir’s Wular lake after nearly 25 years since the catastrophic 1992 floods.

About Wular Lake

• It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest freshwater lake in Asia.
• Location: It is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is fed by the Jhelum River.
• The lake lies at an altitude of 1,580 m on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
• It is spread over a total area of 200 sq.km., covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
• The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity.
• It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times. 
• This lake also has a small is land in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
• In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

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Ecological Significance of Wular Lake

• The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding birds.
• Fauna: Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, etc.
• It is an important habitat for fish, accounting for 60 percent of the total fish production within the state.

Source: IE