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News: A CAG report highlighted that 518 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate insecurity.
About Hokersar Lake
- Hokersar is an important high-altitude wetland in Kashmir Valley known for biodiversity and migratory birds.
- Location: It is located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 1,583 m.
- It is known as the “Queen of Wetlands” or “Queen Wetland of Kashmir”.
- Ramsar status: It is an acknowledged Ramsar Site, designated in 2005.
- River associated: It is connected to the Jhelum River through a network of channels, which sustains its ecosystem.
- Key features
- Biodiversity support: It provides habitat to birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles with rich vegetation like Typha and Phragmites.
- Migratory birds: More than half a million migratory birds visit between October and March, including species from Siberia and Europe.
About Wular Lake
- Location: Wular Lake lies between Bandipora and Sopore at the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
- It is the largest freshwater lake in India and second largest in Asia.
- Formation: Its basin was formed due to tectonic activity and is considered a remnant of ancient Satisar Lake.
- Ramsar status: It was designated as a Ramsar Site in 1990.
- River: It is fed by the Jhelum River.
- Key features
- Rich biodiversity: It supports 56 bird species, 39 fish species, and over 20 plant types.
- Notable species: It hosts rare birds like White-bellied Heron and Pink-headed Duck.
- Conservation Management: The Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) is currently implementing a comprehensive management action plan for biodiversity conservation and desilting.
