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Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 07 July 2019

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Student Welfare Mission (JKSWM) here on today Kick started Zain lank Expedition and Cleanliness drive under the theme "Save Wullar Lake Campaign at Zaina Lank, Lankreshipora Bandipora to restore the cultural  heritage and economic value of the Ramsar Site and to play a part towards restoring the glory of the lost Wullar lake.

The "SAVE WULLAR LAKE CAMPAIGN"  an initiative The WULLAR was collectively by launched by Earth Day Network in collobaration with J &K Students Welfare Mission, supported by Wildlife Conservation Fund and Sanctuary Nature Foundation. In the Programme, a large number of People and activists from different walks of life participated.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of event, Chairman JKSWM Er Altaf Rasool said that Wullar was once known as one of the Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and Provides livelihood for 70 villages situated on its banks directly, but unfortunately this Lake has now turned into a Lake full of garbage, Sticky Swamp and is dying a silent death. He said that, We appeal the people, especially people of Bandipora to come forward to join the Movement inorder to save the Wullar Lake for the conservation, Preservation and Restoration of Wullar Lake, So that real and historical glory of Wullar lake is restored. 

Convener JKSWM, Rashid Matta, said that around decades back visitors from India and outside would throng the island for it was famous and people would love to visit the site. “But due to the government negligence, the site has lost its sheen and is now craving for attention. Hardly any visitor now comes to the island,” he said.

Another Activist of JKSWM, Shugufta Bano, said that the fencing of the island built with giant stones is in sorry state now. She said that the lush green lawns have got destroyed and plants nearly dried up. The island is now surrounded by muddy waters, polythene bags, animal carcasses and other littered material, she said. Bano urged the concerned agencies to have a positive and sound consideration in this matter.

Speaking to Reporters, Spokesperson JKSWM Nasir Khuehami Said that this beautiful Wullar Lake is dying due to official Negligence, encroachment and weeds, it needs sustained conservation efforts to make the Wullar project successful and achieve its objectives. He said that the Zaina Lank was built by King Zain ul Abideen Budshah, 14th-century ruler of Kashmir is now in a sorry state as it has lost its rich cultural history.

JKSWM extends its great gratitude to Earth Day Network, Wildlife Conservation Fund, Sanctuary Nature Foundation and other social and environmental activists who make this event a great success. 

Meanwhile, the people of the local community from Lankreshipora, Laharwalpora and other areas expresses their satisfaction and thanked the organizations for organising first ever event of this kind here. They appeal the concerned department to restore the last heritage of this famous lake - The Wullar.