Four J&K MLAs visit Wular lake, pledge support to fisher community, environmental conservation

By Shamim Ahmed*  

In a historic meeting that highlighted both environmental and social concerns, four Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) visited Wular Lake to meet with the fisherfolk community, signaling a significant step in addressing their longstanding issues. This gathering, organized with the support of dedicated advocates, marks a strengthening of efforts to both safeguard the lake’s ecosystem and support the community’s welfare.

This event was made possible by the hard work and planning of Naseer Ahmed Dar, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, Bashir Ahmed, and Farooq Ahmed Dar, who organized the meeting. In attendance were Nizam-u-din Bhat (MLA Bandipora), Hilal Akbar Lone (MLA Sonawari), Irshad Ahmad Kar (MLA Sopore), and Adv. Irfan Hafeez Lone (MLA Wagoora-Kreeri), each of whom pledged support to the fisherfolk community and the lake's conservation efforts.

The event opened with a welcome from Ghulam Hassan Bhat, President of the Wular Fisherfolk Union, accompanied by environmentalist and climate justice advocate Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool. Naseer Ahmed Dar led discussions, shedding light on the challenges faced by the community, which relies entirely on Wular Lake for their livelihoods, including fishing and water chestnut harvesting.

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In his keynote address, Dr. Rasool emphasized the community’s fundamental rights to access resources and called for fair tax policies to ensure the sustainable management of the lake. Expressing concerns about environmental degradation, he highlighted the impact of pollution and questioned the effectiveness of funds allocated to Wular’s conservation. Dr. Rasool also acknowledged the advocacy efforts of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose legislative reforms, such as the RTI Act of 2009 and Public Service Guarantee Act of 2012, have been pivotal in improving local governance.

Each MLA pledged to prioritize the rights and needs of the fisherfolk community. Nizam-u-din Bhat stressed the importance of securing land rights and ensuring access to resources essential for the community’s sustainable livelihoods. Hilal Akbar Lone echoed this sentiment, advocating for reforms to recognize the community’s rightful claims to Wular’s resources and calling for greater accountability from the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).

 Irshad Ahmad Kar emphasized the need for WUCMA to improve transparency in managing funds, ensuring that both the lake’s ecosystem and fisherfolk benefit. Adv. Irfan Hafeez Lone pledged to support sustainable tourism that respects traditional livelihoods. He highlighted his past success in securing land for housing for fisherfolk families, providing them with much-needed stability near the lake.

The visit also underscored the critical ecological losses that Wular Lake has sustained, with the lake shrinking drastically from 269 square kilometers to 149 square kilometers. Notably, the fisheries department reported a decline in fish species, from 63 historically to just 13 today. Key ecological elements, such as the lotus stem, have vanished since the 2014 floods, and iconic species like the Euro-Asian Otter are no longer present.

The landmark visit concluded with renewed commitment from both the MLAs and the community to work together toward sustainable solutions that protect Wular Lake’s environment and secure the fisherfolk’s livelihoods. The Wular Fisherfolk Union expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication and support.

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*Wular Fisherfolk Community