Wular Lake & ‘Bangladesh’ Village (Zurimanz)

Nature / Landscapes

Shot by AKHTAR HUSSAIN BHAT

Bandipore Kashmir

Company Name: HDFC Bank

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Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia. It lies in Bandipora district, fed by the Jhelum River and several streams, with its area fluctuating seasonally between 30 to 189 sq km.The artificial island Zaina Lank, created in the 15th century by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, is a key historical and spiritual feature of the lake.

The Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WCMA) has launched a comprehensive restoration plan. It includes large-scale willow removal and dredging. So far, 4.5 sq km of degraded areas have been restored out of 27 sq km.

After nearly 30 years, lotus flowers and their stems (nadru) have begun to reappear—thanks to dredging that restored natural conditions. This revival holds both ecological and economic value for the local communities.

Zurimanz became known as “Bangladesh” after locals displaced by the 1971 conflict settled here. The village adopted the name in commemoration.

WCMA built a scenic boardwalk (approximately 120 ft × 6 ft), which now draws photographers, social media enthusiasts, and tourists—especially for its uninterrupted views of Mount Harmukh and Wular Lake.

Efforts include wildlife protection with CCTV surveillance to prevent bird poaching, and festivals like the Wular Festival that promote culture, ecotourism, and awareness.