Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Jammu & Kashmir Wular Lake
Wular lake is also called as Wullar lake and has the ride to be the largest fresh water lake of the country.In the northern region of Indian subcontinent, a tectonic activity was done in ancient time and owing to this geographical activity, this lake was formed naturally. Source of water for this lake is Jhelum River. Size of this lake varies throughout the year starting from 12 square miles to 100 square miles. In recent past collaboration has been made by Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir Government to launch boating, and water ski facility in this lake. Since September 2011 the implementation on this policy has been started.
History
During ancient period, this lake was also known as Mahapadmasar. The present name of the lake is derived from a Sanskrit word (Ullola). It means the high leaping waves. Due to the highly extended area of this lake, the hot sun rays make water quite warm and thus heavy winds lifts the water in afternoon. These high leaps are called Ullola in Sanskrit. The continuously wrong pronunciation of Ullola converted into Bolor and then later converted into Wular.Another significance of the name is a Kashmiri word Wul, which carries the meaning of Gap. The origin of this lake creates a gap or fissure and thus the name of the lake is signified with the word.
It is evident from the history that Kashmiri Sultan Zainul-Abidin, who has the master plan behind construction of the banks of this lake. He ordered to construct a mini island around the lake during 1444. Various phases have also been witnessed by this lake when Pakistan admitted that this lake is a violation of a treaty done in 1960. Presently a good business is being done by the people of Kashmir through Jhelum River. According to the provisions laid down vide Indus Water Treaty, the business through water transportation means is stands permissible. Pakistan claims on the issue as according to them the river water flow of Jhelum is depriving the irrigation benefits of their population affected from this river.
This lake is one of the six great wetlands of the country. But an ecological imbalance is seen in recent past when a large portion of the lad adjacent to the lake is converted to the Agricultural land. Later the pollution in the lake increased due to regular use of fertilizers in fields, dead bodies of fish, and various wastes into the lake.Regular hunting of waterfowls and migratory birds in the lake also caused ecological imbalance.
Flora and Fauna
This Lake is the important natural habitat of fish species.Common crap, Rosy Crap and Mosquito fish are found in this lake in a large numbers. Snowrout species are also found in this lake.Various animals, who prefer to live in snowy area are naturally habited outside the lake. Schizothorax planifrons Schizothorax macropogon Schizothorax longipinus.Schizothorax longipinus are the animals which love to be in snow.These animals need protection for their survival.
Various forms of vegetation are found around the lake.Greenery, dense forestry and cleans grassy grounds are some of the good-looking features of this lake. The fish catching from this lake constitutes a 60% of total fish catching of Jammu and Kashmir. Various cooperative societies are involved in fish catching. They hire farmers to catch the fish. In this lake a sound proportion of birds is also included. In these birds, Black eared Kite, Himalayan Monal, Chuka, Himalayan Woodpecker and golden Oriole are often seen.
How to Reach
Three ways of transportation are in force to access this lake:-
By Air
Nearest airport to this lake is Shrinagar.From airport, various means of road transport are available.
By Rail
Jammu and Udhampur are the nearest rail heads.Roadways bus services and private tour operators run their vehicles on the way to Wullar Lake.
By Road
Road conveyance is the best to access this lake. From Jammu, direct vehicles can be booked for Bandipura for reaching this lake.Taxies and tourist cabs are also available on affordable rates.During winters, roads are closed due to security reasons.
Photo Gallery