Latest news with #WularConservationandManagementAuthority
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Pink paradise: Lotus beds re-emerge after 25 years; J&K's Wular lake in full bloom
Lotus beds re-emerge after 25 years; J&K's Wular lake in full bloom (Image credit: ANI video screengrab) A carpet of pink and green lotus beds resurfaces in Jammu & Kashmir's Wular lake after nearly 25 years since the catastrophic 1992 floods. Wular Lake, spread over 200 sq km in north Kashmir, is nestled between the foothills of the Haramukh mountain range in Bandipora district - is Asia's second largest freshwater lake. Once known for its tranquil waters and iconic lotus beds, it was acutely hit by the 1992 Kashmir floods, which buried its lotus-bearing areas under heavy layers of silt, completely destroying its aquatic ecosystem. "This is nothing short of a miracle," said Abdul Hameed, a local resident. "For years, we tried to bring the lotus back by dispersing seeds into the lake. But it did not work — the silt had choked everything", reported PTI. Conservation efforts by Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) in recent years, including de-siltation drives, catchment area treatment, show positive signs of ecological revival as lotus beds resurfaced this year. Located about 70 km from Srinagar, Wular Lake's ecological revival not only signals a boost for tourism but also offers a renewed source of livelihood. Lotus flowers are locally known as ' Nadru ', which is a Kashmiri delicacy, made using lotus stems, which have long been harvested in the valley. Wular Lake is a designated Ramsar site and plays a crucial role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and sustaining regional biodiversity.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Like a lost love returning after decades, Wular Lake's 'miraculous' lotus bloom leaves Kashmir teary-eyed
After nearly three decades, the pink lotus flowers have returned to Wular Lake in north Kashmir, bringing joy to both nature lovers and local residents. This revival comes thanks to dedicated conservation efforts after the 1992 floods damaged the lake's ecosystem and buried its famous lotus beds under thick layers of silt. Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, spans 200 square kilometres and stretches from the foothills of the Haramukh mountains in Bandipora to Sopore in Baramulla district. Once known for its rich biodiversity, the lake lost much of its charm after the 1992 floods, which deposited huge amounts of silt and wiped out the lotus plants. Abdul Hameed, a local resident, called the comeback 'nothing short of a miracle.' He said locals had tried dispersing lotus seeds earlier but they never grew due to the heavy silt. That changed when the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) started a massive desilting drive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이 게임은 대부분의 TV 프로그램보다 더 재미있어요 – 게다가 무료예요. Raid: Shadow Legends 플레이하기 Undo According to Mudasir Ahmad, zonal officer at WUCMA, last year showed small signs of lotus revival. In 2025, the authority used special machines called Cutter Suction Dredgers to clear silt and improve water quality. This year, they also planted lotus seeds, which led to a fresh bloom covering nearly 3 square kilometres of the lake. Chief Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, said the return of lotuses proves that the lake's ecological health is improving. Over 80 lakh cubic metres of silt have been removed so far. This not only restored the lake's depth and water-holding capacity but also allowed sunlight to reach the lakebed, helping dormant lotus roots grow again. Live Events The return of lotus plants has sparked new hope for the local economy. The edible stems of lotus, known as nadru in Kashmir, are a popular delicacy and a major source of income for many families. 'Nadru was missing for many years. Now we can grow and harvest it again,' said Mudasir Ahmad. The harvesting process is labour-intensive and involves diving into the water, but it provided seasonal work to hundreds in the past. Locals are now hopeful that the economy around the lake will thrive again. The revival of lotus plants is not the only good news. With better water quality and increased depth, the lake has become home to a wider range of aquatic life. WUCMA officials say several rare migratory birds have returned in the past two years. These include species like the Long-tailed Duck, Smew Duck, Great Bittern, Marbled Teal, and even the endangered Pallas's Fish-eagle. Locals like Hameed are urging people to keep the lake clean and protect its fragile biodiversity. 'We lost this beauty once because of our mistakes. We shouldn't let that happen again,' he said. As Wular Lake blossoms again with pink lotuses and birdsong, it stands as a reminder of what strong conservation efforts and community support can achieve. Inputs from PTI
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Wular lake, Huelva region and more (Week 118)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Wular lake, consider the following statements: 1. It is Asia's largest freshwater lake. 2. It is surrounded by the Harmukh mountains. 3. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Chenab River. 4. The lake is designated as a Ramsar site. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Wular Lake, located about 67 kilometres from Srinagar and surrounded by the foggy Harmukh mountains, is once again becoming home to lotuses, 30 years after a disastrous flood swept them out of the area. It is the largest freshwater lake in India. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. — The transformation is the result of the Wular Conservation and Management Authority's conservation initiatives. The authorities had begun desilting the lake in an attempt to remove silt deposits from the flood. — The Jhelum River feeds the lake basin, which formed as a result of geological activity. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The lake is one of six Indian wetlands classified as Ramsar sites. However, it suffers environmental challenges such as the conversion of major portions of the lake's catchment areas to agricultural land, pollution from fertilisers and animal waste, hunting of waterfowl and migrating birds, and weed infestation in the lake itself. Hence, statement 4 is correct. — The Tulbul Project is a 'navigation lock-cum-control structure' near the outlet of Wular Lake. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to palm oil, consider the following statements: 1. It is semi-solid at room temperature. 2. It contains tocotrienols, which help lower blood cholesterol levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — According to a food and beverage industry association, using labels like 'palm oil free' or 'no palm oil' is misleading and based on marketing rather than science. — Palm oil is one of the world's most cheap and versatile edible oils, recognised for its extended shelf life and neutral taste. Most packaged items, such as potato chips, biscuits, ice cream, and chocolates, include palm oil. — Palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature, therefore it does not require hydrogenation. Indeed, health worries over hydrogenated oils fuelled palm oil's growth in popularity beginning in the 1990s. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Most oils also contain small components like tocopherols and sterols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants that give oils their characteristic taste. Palm oil includes tocotrienols, which can help decrease blood cholesterol levels. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements about Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM): 1. It is an import duty that is imposed by Europe on goods produced in other countries by processes that lead to greater carbon emissions than domestic European manufacturers are allowed to emit. 2. Its purpose is to check 'carbon leakage'. 3. It does not have any effect on the manufacturing of steel or cement. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The BRICS nations have 'condemned and rejected' the European Union's (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM) and similar restrictive trade measures, claiming they hamper their transition to a clean economy. — CBAM is an import duty imposed by Europe on items manufactured in foreign nations using procedures that result in more carbon emissions than domestic European businesses are permitted to generate. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The stated goal is to reduce 'carbon leakage,' but this has the effect of raising the cost of steel and cement produced in nations such as India, making them less competitive in European markets. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct. — Developing countries, especially India and China, have sharply criticised CBAM, seeing it as a unilateral and discriminatory trade barrier. They have claimed that CBAM breaches international trade and climate agreements, and they have brought this up in a number of international forums, including annual climate conferences. But the EU has refused to budge. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. The Mocho Choshuenco volcano was recently in the news. It is located in: (a) Brazil (b) Venezuela (c) Argentina (d) Chile Explanation — A new study suggests that melting glaciers and ice caps could lead to more frequent and powerful volcanic eruptions. It also noted that the greatest risk of volcanic eruptions resuming is in West Antarctica, where roughly 100 volcanoes are buried behind thick ice. Due to rising global temperatures, this ice is anticipated to melt over the next few decades or millennia. — The research was presented at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference, which is now taking place in Prague. The Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry have hosted the largest international geochemistry conference to date. — The most recent study supported these findings. It investigated Chile's Mocho Choshuenco volcano to determine the age of volcanic rocks formed prior to, during, and following the last ice age. The study discovered that pressure from a thick ice sheet atop the volcano reduced the amount of eruptions between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago. This resulted in the creation of a massive magma reservoir 10 to 15 km below the volcano's surface. However, as this ice sheet thawed, some 13,000 years ago, explosive eruptions occurred. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. The Huelva region was in the news due to extreme heat. The region is part of: (a) Russia (b) China (c) Spain (d) Norway Explanation — Extreme heat has stifled Europe. The heatwave, which began in late June, has harmed thousands of people across the continent, resulting in record-breaking temperatures and unpleasant conditions. So far, the heat has killed eight people, including a little toddler. — While temperatures in Spain's Huelva region reached 46 degrees Celsius, setting a new national record for June, temperatures in France soared to 40 degrees. The Health Ministry of Italy issued the highest-level heat alert for 20 cities, including Rome and Milan, as temperatures were predicted to hit 37 to 38 degrees Celsius. Between June 30 and July 3, Germany issued over 200 excessive heat warnings. Central European countries such as Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia have also issued high-level red alerts. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 117) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: Three issues, three more papers – SC to EC on Bihar roll revision
Good morning! Something remarkable is happening at Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora, and it's a sight to behold – a sea of pink lotuses, all in full bloom. The idyllic lake, surrounded by the misty Harmukh mountains, is once again home to the flowers, 30 years after a devastating flood completely wiped them out. The credit goes to the Wular Conservation and Management Authority, which had begun clearing silt deposits from the flood. We have some news for you: SCREEN Academy is now official! The Indian Express Group and SCREEN announced the launch of the not-for-profit initiative. The members on board so far include Cannes and Oscar winners, Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, among others. Together with India's top film institutes, the Academy will set out to identify and empower the next generation of filmmakers. 'Give reasons': The Supreme Court declined to restrain the Election Commission of India from proceeding with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has left people scrambling for documents. It suggested that the poll panel consider three other documents – Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards – to update the rolls. 'If you have good reasons to discard it, discard it' but 'give reasons', said the vacation bench hearing pleas challenging the EC exercise ahead of the Assembly polls. The three papers: Our ongoing series from the ground in Bihar shows that the newly suggested documents are ones most families have, mainly because they are far more widely accessible. Of the three, Aadhaar and Election ID cards are nearly ubiquitous in the state, with ration cards available to two-thirds of the population. As of Thursday evening, the EC had not yet decided on the apex court's suggestion. The three issues: The SC bench also flagged three key issues to the poll panel. These include the EC's power to check voters' citizenship, the importance of due process and procedure during the revision, and the timing of the revision itself. 🎧To further understand the SC's response, tune in to today's episode of the 3 Things podcast. Agents on ground: Since the SIR began on June 25, all parties have shown a steep increase in workers enrolled as Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to carry out the enrolment exercise. But the rise is sharper among Opposition parties with the hope that the outreach will pay off in the coming polls. Remember Norman Borlaug? The legendary agricultural scientist who guided India's Green Revolution through his high-yielding, semi-dwarf wheat varieties. That was six decades ago, and today, his organisation – the Mexico-headquartered International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre or CIMMYT – is reaching out to the Indian government and the private sector. It is seeking financial support for its breeding research and development programme. The reason: A resource crunch brought about by various global factors, including the shutdown of its largest funder, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), by the Trump administration, officially from July 1. UK or France? Upon the government's request, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) must take a call to join hands either with Britain's Rolls-Royce or France's Safran to co-develop aircraft engines. This is India's attempt to acquire expertise on the 'constraining factor' for the defence forces. Now, an official in the know told The Indian Express that both the companies have offered to collaborate with DRDO's Bengaluru-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment lab. In focus: In the latest development on the global trade front, Trump slapped a 35 per cent tariff on Canada, effective August 1. In his letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, he said the tariff hike was a unilateral decision and warned of future increases if Ottawa retaliates. For India, the extended deadline remains a window for negotiations. The last round of talks on an interim trade agreement on goods was held on July 4. India's trade negotiators will likely leave for Washington next week to iron out pending issues, focusing on agriculture and auto sector tariffs. 1,340 cricket balls for Rs 1 crore — Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president A Jagan Mohan Rao, in collusion with others, allegedly 'misappropriated' funds like this. The Telangana Crime Investigation Department's FIR further states a total of six heads, including air conditioners, sports apparel and plumbing, via which the 'scam' of at least Rs 2.32 crore was carried out. 'Rightful home': Tribal women from Sitatola in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli have come together to end the centuries-old practice of isolating themselves in menstruation huts or 'kurma ghars'. They now head to a collectively built space called mawa askan lon, which translates from the Madia dialect as 'our rightful home as women'. The structure, part of an initiative led by Sparsh, a Gadchiroli-based NGO, serves as a shelter and a community centre for support groups. 'I guess my best chances maybe are Wimbledon, you know, to win another slam' – This is what Novak Djokovic said a little over a month ago, following a straight-sets loss to World No. 1, Jannik Sinner, at the French Open. He will have the opportunity to confirm his telling this week. The Serb is in the semifinals of Wimbledon again and up against him will be Sinner once more, in a highly anticipated encounter on Centre Court on Friday. Until tomorrow, Vibha Vibha B Madhava is a sub-editor at the news desk for She is interested in writing about gender, culture and politics of ableism. Having specialised in digital journalism, she is keen to explore various forms of interactive, multimedia storytelling. Apart from that, she also likes to experiment with social media. Qualification, Degrees/other achievements: Bachelor's degree in Media and Communication from Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. PG Diploma in Integrated Multimedia Journalism from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. With The Indian Express, this is Vibha's first stint in pursuing journalism in a full-time capacity. Previous internship experience: Deccan Herald, Bengaluru; The News Minute, Bengaluru; The Mojo Story; Radio Indigo 91.9 and Fever FM 94.3 (Hyderabad) You can find her on Twitter as @VibhaBMadhava , on LinkedIn (Vibha B Madhava), or write to her at ... Read More
Mint
5 days ago
- General
- Mint
Lotus blooms in Kashmir's Wular Lake after 3 decades, locals hope for livelihood revival
Lotus flowers have started blooming in Kashmir's Wular Lake after three decades. The reappearance of the flower crop in north Kashmir's river has renewed hope for communities that once depended on the lake for their livelihood. The flowers—known for their stems, nadru, a prized vegetable in the Valley's largely non-vegetarian cuisine—disappeared after the devastating 1992 floods deposited thick layers of silt across the lakebed. The revival of the lotus is being attributed to an ongoing desilting and restoration project by the Wular Lake Management Authority. The efforts, which started in 2020, aim to restore the lake's original depth and improve water flow by removing silt and waste carried by the Jhelum River and its tributaries. 'We thought this would never return,' Mohammad Yaqoob, a local farmer from Watlab village in the neighbourhood, told a local news agency in Kashmir. 'My father used to harvest lotus stems here. I used to help him when I was young. Then the flood came and everything changed,' he said Spread over nearly 200 square kilometres and located between the towns of Bandipora and Sopore, Wular Lake was once a major source of income for hundreds of families in the region from Asia's largest freshwater lake. The lotus stem, a staple in traditional Kashmiri cuisine, also provided seasonal employment,especially during the harsh winters when other livelihood options were scarce. Lotus also grows in Dal Lake and Manasbal Lake in the Valley. Officials said that while lotus stems hadn't been seen for decades, the plant's root structures remained buried beneath the silt. 'The lotus has seen a revival in areas where we have removed silt over the last few years. Since lotus seeds were buried deep inside the silt and soil, they couldn't grow. Now that the silt has been removed, lotus has again grown,' says Mudasir Ahmad, a zonal officer of the Wular Conservation and Management Authority, told the Indian Express. The desilting work has removed over 7.9 million cubic meters of silt from the lake so far, the officials said. This year, the authorities introduced lotus seeds in areas where dredging had been completed. The authorities involved in the conservation plan said the larger goal is to install retention basins along major streams to stop future silt and waste from entering the lake. Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Laharwalpora, said local families had tried to reintroduce the lotus on their own. 'We threw seeds into the lake many times, but nothing grew,' he said. 'It's only now, after the silt was cleared, that we see the flowers again.' Ahmad told the news agency that the return of the lotus is not only a sign of ecological improvement but also a source of renewed economic activity for many households around the lake. We thought this would never return. Kashmir saw devastating floods in September 1992, which caused considerable damage to the rich ecosystem of Wular Lake by depositing a large quantity of silt that buried the lotus vegetation.
