Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Sep 30: With Asia largest fresh lake Wular Lake shrinking in size due to encroachment, fisherwomen in Bandipora are finding it hard to earn livelihood.
Fishing and other rural communities that have been relying on the lake for their livelihood are now struggling to earn a living from it as the lake is dying a slow death because of garbage.
Hafeeza Begum, a fisherwoman from Kulhama village of Bandipora said that there was a huge population of fish in the lake decades ago.
But nowadays, there is rarely a day when you find a good catch.
Besides fishes, the lake was also known for water chestnuts but they are no longer visible now.
Hafeeza said in her village namely kulhama which is situated on the banks of Wular, 83 families eke out their living in the lake.
Fazi Begum, 75-year old, who deserted fishing, said that she along with other fisherwomen used to leave their homes early morning. “In the evening, we used to return with 40-50 kgs chestnuts,” she added. “But that is rare now.”
Naza Begum, another fisherwoman from Lankreshipora village of Bandipora said that she leaves home early in the morning and returns in the evening. Yet she manages only 20-25 kgs chestnuts. It fetches her Rs 400.
As per the official data, Wular lake contributes 60 percent fish in Jammu and Kashmir while at least 50 villages depend on the lake’s produce ranging from fish, water chestnuts and Nadru.
The Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) which was set up for the lake’s conservation is carrying out dredging in the lake for its restoration. An official said that 1.50 Sq Kilometres of Wular lake has been dredged so far and work is in progress.
It said that the government has cleared the Wular Action Plan with a budget of Rs 200 crore for conservation and management of the lake.
