Editorial | Nadru The Iconic Kashmiri Lotus Stem and Our Lakes 

Nadru ( Lotus stem ) grows as an indigenous plant along Kashmir’s lakes which makes it a highly available vegetable in the region. From being cooked with green beans in dal, or fried into light and crispy street food called nadir monje, Kashmir’s lotus stem, over decades has grown to become representative of the region, so much so that it has the power to replace the usually superior lamb in traditional yoghurt and a cumin-based dish called yakhni.

However from last many years it has been seen that rampant pollution and encroachment in lakes is taking a heavy toll on the production of Nadru (Lotus Stem) as its production has declined drastically. Unchecked encourachment and pollution in the lakes is leading threat for Nadru production . Nadru is facing a threat in lakes and a comprehensive management action plan campaign is must and needed. while government has taken steps to preserve khushal ser, gilsar lake , it must ensure speedy work for their restoration to pristine glory and also ensure that Nadru production goes up in order to save this food and livelihood of people associated with it .