Bandipora, Jammu & Kashmir, July 16, 2025 – In a remarkable ecological comeback, Wular Lake, Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake, is witnessing the vibrant bloom of lotus flowers after nearly three decades of absence. This resurgence, celebrated by locals and environmentalists alike, is a testament to the dedicated conservation efforts led by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) to restore the lake’s degraded ecosystem, devastated by the 1992 floods.
Spanning approximately 200 square kilometers across Bandipora and Baramulla districts in north Kashmir, Wular Lake, a designated Ramsar site, has long been revered for its biodiversity and cultural significance. The lake, fed primarily by the Jhelum River, once supported thriving lotus beds, with their edible stems, locally known as nadru, serving as a staple in Kashmiri cuisine and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of families. However, the catastrophic floods of September 1992 buried the lakebed under thick layers of silt, decimating the lotus vegetation and disrupting the lake’s ecological balance.
Abdul Rashid Dar, a local resident from Bandipora, recalls the lake’s past glory: “When I was a child, I would accompany my father to harvest lotus stems. I thought we had lost this gift of God forever.” His sentiments echo those of many in the region who believed the lotus blooms were gone for good. Mohammad Yaqoob, a farmer from Watlab village, adds, “We thought this would never return. It’s a miracle to see the flowers again.”
The revival began with WUCMA’s comprehensive restoration project, initiated in 2018, which focused on desilting the lake to restore its original depth and water flow. Over 79 lakh cubic meters of silt have been removed, allowing sunlight to penetrate the lakebed and enabling the rejuvenation of dormant lotus seeds. Additionally, WUCMA dispersed fresh lotus seeds in recent years, with blooms now spanning nearly three to five square kilometers of the lake. “Last year, we saw signs of revival. This year, the bloom is remarkable, especially in areas cleared of silt,” says Mudasir Ahmad, a zonal officer at WUCMA.
The return of the lotus is more than an ecological victory; it signals renewed economic hope for local communities. Nadru, prized for dishes like Nadru Yakhni and Nadru Monje, once provided seasonal employment to hundreds of families in villages like SK Payeen, Kolhama, and Goorora. The resurgence is expected to revive these livelihoods, complementing traditional occupations like fishing and water chestnut harvesting. “The return of nadru means more income for our families and brings back part of our lost culture,” says Lateef Ahmad, a local resident.
The ecological restoration has also attracted rare migratory birds, such as the Great Bittern and Long-tailed Duck, underscoring the lake’s improving health. Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Division, Irfan Rasool, notes, “The return of the lotus is a strong indicator of the lake’s improving ecological health, which had suffered significant degradation over decades.”
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Environmentalists like Jalal Jeelani emphasize the need for sustained conservation to address ongoing threats like illegal construction, sand mining, and agricultural runoff. “The conservation work must continue to ensure this recovery is sustained,” Jeelani warns.
The lotus blooms, often referred to as “Kashmir’s Queen” for their symbolism of resilience, beauty, and purity, have brought joy and optimism to the valley. As Owais Farooq Mir, former WUCMA official, puts it, “The lotus stem needs shallow water for growth, and our desilting efforts have made this possible again.” The vibrant pink blooms, stretching across the tranquil waters of Wular Lake, stand as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the rewards of persistent environmental stewardship.
