WULAR Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, is turning into a shadow of its former self. Located in Bandipora district of North Kashmir, the lake, which once brimmed with fish, is now brimming with pollution. Fish species which thrived in its waters are disappearing. Fishermen are abandoning their traditional livelihood and becoming labourers on construction sites.
Fisheries is an important adjunct to agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir and, according to estimates, contributes a significant 23 percent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Besides being an important economic activity, the fish economy also generates self. . .
