Wular Lake remains frozen as temperatures plummet to record lows

Bandipora, Dec 25: Parts of Wular Lake in north Kashmir remain frozen, days after the initial freeze, as temperatures continue to dip, plummeting to seven degrees below freezing on Wednesday.

Children were seen testing the strength of the icy surface near Saderkoot Payeen village in Bandipora district, enjoying the rare sight. Geese and domestic ducks were also spotted flocking on the frozen parts of the lake.

Locals said that such freezing of the lake has not been witnessed in over two decades. While the phenomenon has delighted onlookers, it has adversely affected the livelihood of fishermen and others dependent on the lake’s produce, including water chestnuts and lotus stems.

"Today, the icy surface seems thicker," said Showkat Maqbool, a local associated with the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA). He added that large parts of the lake have remained frozen since December 21, hindering the movement of boatmen within the lake.

Despite the freeze, the lake continues to attract lakhs of migratory birds this season, thrilling bird enthusiasts and adding a unique charm to the region.