Study being conducted to assess Wular Lake’s water capacity: Govt
Srinagar, Oct 31: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that a comprehensive bathymetric–hydrodynamic study of Wular Lake is presently under way through the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, to assess its current water carrying capacity, delineate and validate critically silted areas, and determine the rate of siltation and silt deposition including contributions from the principal feeding channels.
In a written reply to a question tabled by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar in the Legislative Assembly, the Jal Shakti Department said: “As reported by the Forest Department, no prior, comprehensive baseline survey exists on record that could reliably establish these parameters. However, a comprehensive bathymetric–hydrodynamic study is presently underway through the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee."
"As part of its mandate, the study will (a) assess the current water-carrying capacity of Wular, (b) delineate and critically validate silted areas, and (c) determine the rate of siltation and silt deposition including contributions from the principal feeding channels.”
The reply said that, in the interim, measurable on-ground outcomes within the lake and its feeders are as under: “ Approximately 4.55 sq km (≈455 ha) of critically silted area stands functionally restored/de-silted to date. Of the cumulative dredged volume, about 63.93 lakh cubic metres (≈6.393 million m³) pertains to the major intervention in the SK Payeen area of the main lake, which has resulted in the restoration of roughly 3.10 sq km within the lake body.
In addition, targeted de-siltation has been undertaken in the catchment/feeding channels, taking the total restored/de-silted footprint to about 4.5 sq km. (Cumulatively, dredging executed so far is ≈78.25 lakh cubic metres ≈, 7.825 million m³.) These interventions have improved hydraulic connectivity and materially enhanced carrying capacity and the overall water regime of the lake.”
The department further stated: “Besides, I&FC Kashmir has carried dredging in Sopore–Baramulla OFC channel during the last two years and total quantity of 2.85 lakh cubic metres have been dredged out by Mechanical Dredgers.”
On the ongoing and proposed projects aimed to strengthen the embankments of Wular Lake and the Jhelum River in Sopore, the reply reads:
“Rs. 1.80 Cr have been earmarked with regard to strengthening of the embankment of Wular Lake during the current financial year 2025–26 at three places i.e. Zalwan, Makhdoomyari and Shahgund. Moreover, I&FC Kashmir has taken up one work, namely construction of Guide Wall at Sher Colony and Maharajpora Sopore under FMBAP for a length of 305 mts with an estimated cost of Rs. 455.78 lacs, approximately 95% of the work has been completed till date.”
Regarding the carrying capacity of the Jhelum Flood Spill Channel and steps to prevent flood threats, the government said: “The present carrying capacity of Flood Spill Channel at the inlet is estimated to be 8700–10000 cusecs before embankments are overtopped. During the recent floods of September 2025, a discharge of 6900 cusecs was recorded at Padshahi Bagh through ADCP measurement and sufficient freeboard was still available.
To enhance the carrying capacity of the Flood Spill Channel in order to avoid any further threat, several works have been completed under FMP Phase I, including re-sectioning from Naidkhai downstream bridge to Gulabwari and beyond. In addition, river training works amounting to Rs. 164.33 lakh have been executed under the CAPEX Budget at Wazipora Naidkhai and upstream of Sultanpora Bridge. These interventions aim to strengthen the embankments and mitigate flood related damages along vulnerable stretches of the Flood Spill Channel.”
The reply concluded: “It may be noted that permanent immunity against floods is not techno–economically possible; however, flood threat can be minimized to structural and non-structural measures (Flood Early Warning and Flood Plain Zoning).”
