Mass Deaths of Domestic Geese in Wular Lake Raise Alarm

Bandipora, Nov 12: As migratory birds begin to arrive at Kashmir’s wetlands, Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake, Wular, is facing a concerning situation with the mass deaths of domestic geese along its banks. The incident has sparked alarm among bird enthusiasts and the local fishing community, whose livelihoods depend on the lake.

Residents report that over the past week, hundreds of geese, locally called Anz in Kashmiri, have been found dead. A fisherman from Saderkot Payeen, who relies on raising geese for his income, said, “I have around 200 geese, and my livelihood depends on selling them during winter. This mass die-off has created panic among all of us.”

He urged authorities to collect samples and investigate the source of the infection affecting the geese population.

Advocate Mudasir, a resident of Bandipora, expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. “Wular Lake, once Asia’s second-largest freshwater body, is now struggling with severe ecological challenges. The water that people once used for drinking is now unsafe even to touch.”

An official from the conservation management team confirmed that around 200 domestic geese have been found dead in various parts of the lake and that samples have been collected. “We are awaiting the results. Should any worrying findings arise, we will take swift measures to control the spread of infection.”

Initial findings by the Animal Husbandry Department in Bandipora suggest the possible presence of Ranikhet disease as the cause of death.