Bringing Kashmir’s lakes back to life

Wular and Dal lakes are among Kashmir's most famous natural treasures, but decades of pollution, encroachment and neglect have taken their toll. Chhavi Sachdev follows conservationists, farmers and local communities as they attempt an ambitious restoration effort. Along the way, she discovers migratory birds returning, lotus flowers reappearing, and a circular economy transforming ecological waste into a valuable resource.

(Photo: Local weed collectors in Dal Lake, Kashmir. They are sitting in their long, low wooden boats chatting. Credit: Adil Abbas)

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Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter/producer: Chhavi Sachdev
Kashmir fixer and interpreter: Adil Abass
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Andrew Mills