*Govt refutes adverse impact of Wular deterioration on Fishermen*
*Says production crosses 4500 MT in 2023-24; 5200 Fishermen rely on Wular for livelihood*
Srinagar, Mar 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday refuted the claims that the deterioration of Wular Lake has adversely impacted the fishermen community, stating that the lake continues to contribute nearly 60% of Kashmir’s total fish production.
The Minister In-Charge, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department in reply to a query raised by MLA Nizam-Ud-Din Bhat, as per the news agency—informed that the fish catch from Wular Lake has shown a consistent increase over the past three years.
The minister while dismissing the claim of adverse impact, said the fresh water lake supports the livelihood of around 5200 registered fishermen.
As per the data accessed, in 2021-22, the total fish catch stood at 2941.68 metric tonnes (MT), comprising 779.76 MT of local fish and 2161.92 MT of carp. The following year, 2022-23, the fish catch increased significantly to 3826.39 MT, with 818.25 MT of local fish and 3008.14 MT of carp.
The highest production was recorded in 2023-24, reaching 4593.861 MT, with 1215.25 MT of local fish and 3378.611 MT of carp, the data suggests, indicating a positive trend in fish production
