Lotus Bloom Could Boost Kashmir's Green Economy Through Lake Revival

“For years, I thought the lotus had vanished from Wular, But maybe they were just sleeping under the silt, waiting for the right moment to rise again. When I saw them in July, it felt like the lake was breathing differently, like it was alive in a way I had not seen in my lifetime.”

“Never before have I seen lotus plants in the lake, Given the strong local demand for nadru, the edible lotus stem, this bloom could transform the fortunes of the fishing community.”

“Six metres of silt were cleared from a patch, which turned the water grey temporarily. But soon after, lotus plants began to emerge naturally. Their growth purifies the water, improves the lake’s ecological balance, and will eventually support the return of fish.”

“By September, lakhs will flow into the local economy as fishermen harvest lotus stems for the first time in three decades. This marks a turning point for green livelihoods in the region.”

“This is not only the result of government work but a clear example of how focused restoration can revive lost ecosystems. There were small patches where lotus grew earlier, usually in shallow areas that still had water, but the seeds were gradually disappearing due to heavy siltation and shrinking water zones.”

“Through our 2020 restoration programme, we identified critically silted areas and began dredging five square kilometres and more than 7.9 million cubic metres of silt have been removed from the lake so far.”

“When people living in the catchment who depend on the lake begin to see direct economic returns, they are more likely to protect it. This form of participatory conservation, where livelihood and the lake’s ecological health go hand in hand, is the most effective way to preserve a wetland like Wular.”

“Traditional aquatic farming is quietly making a comeback, and nadru cultivation is emerging as a sustainable livelihood option. If (Wular is) managed well, this model can be extended to other wetlands.”

“This is the first time in my life I have seen lotus plants growing here, It is likely due to the desilting and dredging. For us, it is a signal. If we want these plants to return every year, we have to take care of the lake. That means keeping it clean, avoiding pollution, and treating it as our responsibility. Growing lotus is not just a livelihood. It is a commitment.”

“Wular has everything. It draws tourists and sustains livelihoods for nearly 10,000 families who depend on it for fishing, water chestnut harvesting, and now lotus stems, But pollution, mining, dam construction, and continued official neglect have pushed the lake to the edge. If dredging and restoration efforts are not carried forward, Wular will lose its sheen entirely within the next three years.”