SRINAGAR — At a recent meeting held at the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO) headquarters in Delhi, chaired by Dr. Nem Singh Premi ji and coordinated by Mr. Altaf Bhat ji, the disparity in tourism promotion between Dal Lake and Wular Lake was a key topic of discussion.
Wular Lake, which holds the distinction of being Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake and a crucial natural resource in Jammu and Kashmir, has long been overlooked in terms of tourism development and conservation efforts.
IHRO’s Kashmir team expressed their concerns regarding this neglect, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Wular Lake’s ecological and economic potential. In contrast to the well-promoted Dal Lake, Wular has not received adequate attention from the relevant authorities, despite its significance for biodiversity, water regulation, and local livelihoods.
The meeting also commended the efforts of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Bandipora, under the leadership of DIG BSF, Bandipora for their initiative in organizing the Wular Half Marathon, scheduled for November 3, 2024.
This event is seen as a significant step in raising awareness about the lake’s importance and promoting its tourism potential.
In particular, IHRO extended its gratitude to Brigadier DIG BSF, Bandipora, Shri N. R. Babu, for his support in championing the cause of Wular Lake and contributing to the preservation and promotion of this vital natural resource.
M. Yakub Dunoo, the media incharge and Tourism wing for IHRO, expressed hope that this initiative would pave the way for more focused efforts to conserve Wular Lake and bring it into the spotlight, on par with other prominent tourist destinations in the valley.