Wular Lake Sees Surge in Migratory Birds Amid Reinforced Anti-Poaching Measures Migratory birds have returned to Wular Lake in north Kashmir in unprecedented numbers, raising hopes about the wetland’s ecological revival. After years of restoration work, the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) says this season’s winged influx could soon surpass last year’s high. According to a WUCMA official Mudasir Ahmad, the bird count is now expected to exceed one million, up from approximately 10 lakh (one million) during the previous census. The rise underscores the success of large-scale restoration initiatives carried out around Wular lake. To protect this surge of avian life, the authority has stepped up surveillance. CCTV towers have been installed across key points on the lake, and joint anti-poaching squads now operate round-the-clock, involving WUCMA staff, forest protection forces, and J&K Police. The official emphasized that these measures are critical to deterring poaching and minimizing disturbance to the newly arrived flocks. “Seeing so many migratory birds return to Wular is like witnessing nature’s heartbeat coming back to life,” said Mohmmad Rafiq, a longtime bird lover and frequent visitor to the lake. He also said that authorities need to work on pace around the lake and complete the construction work around it which he said will attract more tourists to the lake.