Our
environment is one of the most beautiful gifts bestowed by the Almighty
upon mankind. Thus, the subject of environment is of great interest to
man since ages. There has never been a time when man has not modified
his environment. But the changes that are taking place today are major
as compared to the past. Environmental pollution needs no introduction
nowadays as one can feel the polluted air and see the polluted waters
all around us. Water pollution has become a "white-colored" crime and
the water resources have become a running problem! Today, you need not
be an environmentalist to declare that our lakes are turning into
garbage dumps.
Water Pollution has been markedly noticed in Kashmir, a place known for
its natural beauty worldwide. One is proud to be associated with such a
beautiful and lovely valley. But are we rightfully the citizens of this
Valley? Someone has rightly referred to it as a "Paradise-yesterday,
Hell-today" valley. Lakes and rivers have always remained the centre of
attraction in the capital of this beautiful Valley- Srinagar. Wular Lake
was Asia's largest fresh-water lake with an area of 225 sq. km, now
reduced to mere 24 sq. km. Are you surprised? Shocked? Annoyed? Amused?
No, the right reaction would be to feel ashamed! Yes, this really was
Asia's largest fresh water lake- 12 miles long and 6 miles broad.
This lake lies between Sopore and Bandipora. It was most popular for its
comfortable houseboats, lovely shikaras and clear water. Surrounded by
breath-taking snow-clad mountains, its beauty was further enhanced. The
unique feature of this lake is that at noon, daily, tides occur which is
usually accompanied by storms. In spite of this, one can find
tranquility and peace of mind there. Though the lake is still there as
it was, the charm has been lost. This clear and pure lake has been
polluted unthinkingly!
Soil erosion and effluents have damaged its beauty. Today we can see
poisonous ribbons crisscrossing the lake. We have to face a lot of
difficulty in moving through the dense aquatic weeds and accumulated
filth in the water. Obnoxious weeds have covered this lake to a large
extent. The growing population of its environs has polluted it to a
large extent. Nitrates, phosphates and what not have got deposited from
the surrounding landmasses, which have led to the excessive weed and
plankton growth. This prevents the sunlight to penetrate through the
dense phytoplankton and water crops. This results in the death and
destruction of the aquatic fauna.
In the 1950's, bunds were constructed along this lake to prevent floods.
Unfortunately, this affected the confluence of Jhelum with Wular. Silt
was dumped straight into the lake body, leading to the creation of many
sand bars. The number of wild ducks, cranes, geese and other aquatic
birds decreased. Another factor affecting it adversely is the load of
silt that is brought to it by the Jhelum from the southern part of the
Valley as Wular Lake is situated at the foot of the Bandipora hill
range. This increases its water level and affects the houses and
colonies surrounding it. This sweet water lake is shrinking at a fast
pace. Thus, the lake, which is declared as the wetland of global
importance, seems to be dying.
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests have banned industrial
activity around this lake. This is an appreciative step taken by the
Government, but it would go a long way in preventing the death of Wular
Lake if it is implemented practically. These issues are not to be left
to a few environmentalists or to the concerned authorities only, but we
have to pitch in to help them improve our Lake. Lifestyles and habits of
the people need to be changed. We have to make positive efforts to
conserve and clean our limited water resources. People are to be
educated and made aware of the plight of this lake. Garbage is not to be
dumped into the lake. Any illegal encroachment, in and around the lake,
should be reported. If we make sincere efforts to keep the water body
clean, we can witness the rebirth of our beautiful lake. Against
conflict, we have to develop harmony with nature.
If we treat nature well, nature will treat us well in return. It all
depends on the attitude and habits cultivated by us.
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