Water chestnut, known as goer in Kashmir, is an aquatic vegetable that grows in the Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
The grass-like sedge is in high demand during autumn in Kashmir. For hundreds of families living around the lake in Bandipora district of northern Kashmir, it’s one of the main sources of income in the season.
Source: The Hindu
About Wular Lake:
It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest freshwater lake in Asia.
It is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is fed by the Jhelum River.
It lies at an altitude of 1,580 m on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
It is spread over a total area of 200 sq.km., covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity.
It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times.
This lake also has a small island in its center called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding birds. Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, etc.
It is an important habitat for fish, accounting for 60 percent of the total fish production within the state.
Water Chestnut:
It is a grass-like sedge native to Asia, tropical Africa, and Oceania.
It is not a nut but rather an aquatic vegetable that grows in marshes, under water, or in mud.
It has stem-like, tubular green leaves that grow to about 1.5 m.
The water caltrop, which also is referred to by the same name, is unrelated and often confused with the water chestnut.
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