Four-Day Wular Bird Festival Begins in Bandipora Anchor:-A four-day Wular Bird Festival began on Sunday in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, aiming to promote conservation of Asia’s largest freshwater lake while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The festival, organised by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), brought together government officials, environmental experts, tourism stakeholders, students, and local residents to highlight the ecological importance of Wular Lake and its rich biodiversity, particularly migratory bird species that visit the wetland every year. The inaugural programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, senior district officers, WUCMA Coordinator Altaf Hussain, environmentalists, tourism operators, and several local stakeholders associated with fishing, handicrafts, and eco-tourism around the lake. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib said Wular is not only an ecological asset but also a lifeline for thousands of families in Bandipora. She urged the youth to come forward and actively participate in protecting the lake from pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable activities. “Preserving Wular is our collective responsibility. Young people must become ambassadors for conservation while exploring livelihood opportunities linked to eco-tourism,” she said. WUCMA Coordinator Altaf Hussain said the festival aims to raise awareness about wetland conservation and generate income for local communities dependent on the lake. “Through bird watching, nature trails, local craft exhibitions and community participation, we want to link conservation with livelihoods so that people see value in protecting Wular,” he said. The festival also featured cultural programmes, local music, traditional performances, and exhibitions showcasing products made by communities living around the lake. Students and volunteers participated in awareness drives and interactive sessions on biodiversity protection. Local residents welcomed the initiative, saying such programmes are important to preserve Wular Lake and create sustainable livelihood means for fishermen, artisans, and youth involved in tourism-related activities. Officials said the festival will continue for four days with birding tours, workshops, clean-up drives, and outreach programmes across different parts of the Wular wetland.