Revival of Lotus in Wular Lake | 12 Jul 2025

Source: IE 

After three decades of ecological dormancy caused by the 1992 flood, lotus flowers have once again begun blooming in Kashmir’s Wular Lake due to focused conservation efforts led by Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA). 

• Lotus stems (locally called Nadru) couldn’t grow since 1992 as seeds were buried under heavy silt, but the rhizomes (creeping root stalks) survived deep below and sprouted once the silt was removed. 

Wular Lake 

• About: It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia (after Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia), located between Bandipora and Sopore in Jammu & Kashmir. 
• Geography: It is located at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain and is fed by the Jhelum River along with 25 other streams that feed it. 
  • It has a small island in its centre called the Zaina Lank, constructed by Zainul-Abi-Din, 8th sultan of Kashmir. 
• Ecological Importance: In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. 
• Geology: The basin of the lake was formed due to tectonic activity. It is also believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake. 
• Avian Fauna: Wular Lake is home to 56 bird species, 39 fish species, and over 20 types of plants. 
  • Notable migratory bird species found here include the White-bellied Heron, Pink-headed Duck, Baer’s Pochard, and the Kashmir Catfish. 

Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) 

• The lotus is a perennial plant with bowl-shaped flowers that have petals with an 8 to 12 inch diameter.  
  • It is an aquatic plant that thrives in nutrient-rich, murky conditions.  
• It comes in shades of pink hues, yellow or white.  
• It is recognised as the national flower of India. The lotus is a recurring motif of Hindu and Buddhist religions.