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Wular Lake

The Wular Lake has got around four to five lakh migratory birds so far this winter, including seven new species.

About Wular Lake:

  • It is the largest freshwater lake in India.
  • It is located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It lies at the north end of the Valley of Kashmir, 20 miles (32 km) north-northwest of Srinagar. 
  • It is spread over a total area of 200 square km covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth. 
  • The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River.
  • The lake lies at an altitude of 1,580 m.
  • It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake, that existed in ancient times. 
  • This lake also has a small island in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
  • In 1990, it was designated as a Ramsar Site.

Key Facts about Jhelum River:

  • It is a river that flows in India and Pakistan.
  • It is a tributary of the Indus River.
  • It is the main waterway of the Kashmir valley.
  • Course:
    • Origin: It originates at the Verinag Spring at Anantnag, at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Valley.
    • It then flows via Srinagar and Wular Lake prior to entering Pakistan.
    • The river makes a deep, narrow gorge on its way to Pakistan.
    • It joins the Chenab River near Trimmu, Pakistan.
  • Length: It has a total length of about 725 km (450 mi).
  • Major Tributaries: Kishanganga (Neelum) River, Kunhar River, Sandran River, Bringi River, Arapath River, Watlara River, Lidder River, and Veshaw River.