Recent conservation initiatives at Wular Lake in Kashmir have led to the reclamation of nearly 5 sq. km. of silted land. Authorities have also removed large-scale willow plantations and strengthened embankments around the lake to improve its ecological integrity, water-holding capacity, and flood resistance.

About Wular Lake

Largest Freshwater Lake in India

Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia. It is one of the most significant natural wetlands in the Kashmir Valley.

Location

The lake is situated in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies at the northern end of the Vale of Kashmir, about 32 km north-northwest of Srinagar.

The lake is located at an altitude of around 1,580 metres at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain.

Hydrological Importance

The Jhelum River flows through Wular Lake, and the lake plays a crucial role in regulating the river’s flow. It acts as a natural flood basin, helping to absorb excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt.

Physical Features

Wular Lake is approximately 16 km long and 10 km wide. However, its area changes significantly with the seasons, varying between 30 sq. km. and 260 sq. km.

The lake basin was formed due to tectonic activity, making it a tectonic lake. It is also believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake, which once covered a large part of the Kashmir Valley.

Zaina Lank Island

The lake contains a small island in its centre known as Zaina Lank. This artificial island was constructed by Zain-ul-Abidin, the famous ruler of Kashmir who is remembered for his contributions to culture and infrastructure.

Economic and Ecological Importance

Wular Lake is an important source of livelihood for local communities. It serves as a major habitat for fish and contributes nearly 60% of the total fish production of the Kashmir Valley.

The lake also supports:

• Rich biodiversity,

• Migratory birds,

• Aquatic vegetation,

• Wetland ecosystems.

Ramsar Site Status

In 1990, Wular Lake was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention due to its ecological significance and biodiversity value.

Conclusion

Wular Lake is not only an important freshwater resource but also a vital ecological and flood-control system for the Kashmir Valley. Ongoing conservation and restoration efforts are essential to protect the lake from siltation, encroachment, pollution, and ecological degradation, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

A recent study has revealed that the level of Vitamin D during a person’s 30s and 40s may play an important role in determining brain health and brain ageing in later life. According to the study, individuals with adequate vitamin D levels in middle age are more likely to maintain better cognitive function during their 60s and 70s. The findings highlight the growing importance of vitamin D not only for bone strength but also for long-term neurological and mental health.

About Vitamin D

Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, teeth, and immune function. Unlike many other vitamins, vitamin D can be produced naturally in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

It is naturally present in only a few foods, while many food products are fortified with vitamin D to improve dietary intake.

Production of Vitamin D in the Body

Vitamin D is produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. During periods of adequate sunlight exposure, the body stores vitamin D in fat tissues and releases it gradually when sunlight is not available.

Therefore, sunlight is considered one of the most important natural sources of vitamin D.

Sources of Vitamin D

Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Hence, many people obtain vitamin D through fortified foods and sunlight exposure.

Foods fortified with vitamin D include:

• Milk

• Cereals

• Yogurt

Natural dietary sources of vitamin D include:

• Egg yolks

• Saltwater fish

• Liver

The daily requirement of vitamin D varies depending on a person’s age, lifestyle, and overall health condition.

Importance of Vitamin D

Role in Bone and Teeth Health

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in promoting the absorption of calcium and maintaining proper levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. These minerals are essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Without adequate vitamin D, bones can become:

• Thin

• Weak

• Brittle

• Misshapen

Thus, vitamin D is essential for maintaining skeletal strength and preventing bone disorders.

Other Important Functions

Apart from supporting bone health, vitamin D performs several other important functions in the body. It helps in:

• Reducing inflammation

• Supporting immune function

• Regulating cell growth

• Maintaining neuromuscular function

• Supporting glucose metabolism

Recent studies have also shown its importance in maintaining brain function and reducing age-related cognitive decline.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Deficiency in Children

In children, deficiency of vitamin D causes rickets, a disease in which bones become soft, weak, painful, and deformed. Children suffering from rickets may experience delayed growth and skeletal abnormalities.

Deficiency in Adults

In teenagers and adults, vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia, a condition characterised by:

• Bone pain

• Muscle weakness

• Reduced bone strength

Long-term deficiency may also increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

People at Greater Risk

Vitamin D deficiency is more common among:

• People with darker skin due to higher melanin content,

• Individuals who wear clothing covering most parts of the body,

• People with limited exposure to sunlight.

This is because reduced sunlight exposure limits the body’s ability to produce vitamin D naturally.

Can Excess Vitamin D Be Harmful?

Although vitamin D is essential for health, excessively high levels can be dangerous. Very high levels of vitamin D in the blood may cause:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Muscle weakness

• Confusion

• Loss of appetite

• Dehydration

• Kidney stones

Conclusion

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, muscle function, immunity, and brain health. Adequate sunlight exposure, balanced nutrition, and awareness about deficiency are important for overall well-being. At the same time, excessive intake of vitamin D should be avoided to prevent harmful health effects.

State-owned Khanij Bidesh India Limited recently received environmental clearance from the government of Argentina for deep exploration activities in five brine lithium blocks located in the South American country. This development is important for India’s efforts to secure long-term access to critical minerals such as lithium, which is essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and advanced electronic technologies.

About Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)

Khanij Bidesh India Limited is a joint venture company formed by three major Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) of India. These include:

• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)

• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)

• Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL)

The shareholding pattern of the company is structured in the ratio of 40:30:30, with NALCO holding the largest share.

KABIL was incorporated on 8 August 2019 under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

Objective of KABIL

The primary objective of KABIL is to identify, explore, and acquire overseas mineral assets that are important for India’s economic and strategic interests. The company aims to secure a stable supply of critical and strategic minerals required for sectors such as:

• Clean energy,

• Electric mobility,

• Advanced electronics,

• High-technology manufacturing.

India currently depends heavily on imports for many of these minerals. Therefore, KABIL plays an important role in reducing import dependence and strengthening resource security.

Administrative Control

KABIL functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines. The company represents India’s strategic initiative to secure overseas mineral resources in response to the growing global demand for critical minerals.

Focus on Critical Minerals

Importance of Lithium and Cobalt

At present, KABIL is mainly focusing on two critical minerals:

• Lithium

• Cobalt

These minerals are extremely important for manufacturing:

• Electric vehicle (EV) batteries

• Energy storage systems

• Mobile phones and electronic devices

• Renewable energy technologies

With the rapid global shift towards green energy and electric mobility, demand for lithium and cobalt has increased significantly. Securing these minerals is therefore essential for India’s energy transition and industrial growth.

International Exploration Projects

KABIL is actively involved in mineral exploration and acquisition projects in countries such as:

• Argentina

• Australia

• Chile

These countries are known for their rich reserves of lithium and other strategic minerals. Argentina and Chile, in particular, form part of the famous “Lithium Triangle”, which holds some of the world’s largest lithium reserves.

Capital Structure of KABIL

The authorised capital of KABIL is ₹500 crore, while its paid-up capital stands at ₹100 crore. This financial structure supports the company’s overseas exploration and mineral acquisition activities.

Promoter Companies of KABIL

Among the promoter companies, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) is one of Asia’s largest integrated aluminium producers and serves as the lead partner of the joint venture.

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is India’s only vertically integrated copper-producing company, while Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) is one of the country’s leading mineral exploration agencies.

Together, these organisations provide technical expertise, exploration capability, and operational support to KABIL.

Headquarters of KABIL

The registered office of Khanij Bidesh India Limited is located in New Delhi. The company is managed by National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) as the lead partner.

Conclusion

Khanij Bidesh India Limited plays a vital role in securing India’s access to critical minerals required for future technologies, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. Through its overseas exploration projects and strategic partnerships, KABIL is strengthening India’s mineral security and supporting the country’s transition towards a sustainable and self-reliant economy