Key Facts about Wular Lake

About Wular Lake:

• It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest freshwater lake in Asia.
• 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.
• The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding birds. 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.

Q1: What is a Ramsar Site?

Ramsar Sites are designated wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Its primary goal is the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world.

Source: Prevent siltation of Wular Lake