Restoration of Asia’s largest fresh water lake using multi criteria decision making model: A case study of Wular Lake

Multi criteria decision making (MCDM) is a framework for evaluating how welldecision options perform overall in relation to various goals. The Strategy is widely adopted and there is a growing use of it in the management of water resources. In the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there are a lot of lakes from different provenances. This study conducts a comprehensive examination of Wular Lake’s environmental dynamics, drawing from diverse data sources. The demographic profile highlights a predominant representation of individuals aged 30-50 years, constituting 52.8% of respondents. The physiochemical analyses spanning four decades reveal distinct trends, including a consistent decline in pH, rising air and water temperatures, and significant increases in nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate levels. Dissolved oxygen levels exhibit concerning declines, particularly in Dal and Wular lakes. Regression analysis uncovers statistically significant positive relationships between various variables (LE, ID, ALC, SWD, IF, and BIO) and the lake’s condition, explaining an impressive 79% of the variance. Sources of degradation identify irregular solid waste dumps (10.4%), sewage discharges (18.4%), and population expansion (7.2%) as major contributors. This multifaceted analysis underscores the imperative for holistic environmental management, encompassing waste management, sustainable practices, and community engagement. Continuous monitoring remains essential for the enduring conservation of Wular Lake.