CAG Report on Jammu and Kashmir's Vanishing Lakes

CAG Report on Jammu and Kashmir’s Vanishing Lakes

Analyze the CAG report on Jammu and Kashmir’s vanishing lakes, highlighting key findings, causes of degradation, and environmental governance challenges.

Table of Contents

Context: A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has sounded a dire alarm regarding the aquatic health of Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Highlights of CAG Report on Jammu & Kashmir’s Vanishing Lakes

315 lakes (45% of the total) have vanished entirely, erasing 1,537 hectares of water area.
203 lakes (29%) saw their water area decrease by over 1,314 hectares.
In 63 lakes, the water area has shrivelled by 50% or more, placing them at immediate risk of total extinction.
Major threats: Encroachment, construction works, and shifting land-use patterns have led to increased aquatic vegetation and a loss of open water area.
Impact: Lakes act as “flood balancing reservoirs.” Their shrinkage was cited as a major cause for the catastrophic September 2014 floods in J&K

Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir

Lakes	Details
Wular Lake (Bandipora)	One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia; formed by tectonic activity. Status: A designated Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance). Hydro-Role: Fed by the Jhelum River, it acts as a massive natural sponge for the valley. Livelihood: Provides nearly 60% of J&K’s fish yield and is a major source of water chestnuts (singhara).
Dal Lake (Srinagar)	Known as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir“, a post-glacial lake with four main basins-Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin. Unique Feature: Famous for its Houseboats, Shikaras, and the Floating Vegetable Market. Floating Gardens: Local communities create “Radh“ (floating gardens) made of matted weeds and silt to grow vegetables. Crisis: Faces severe eutrophication (nutrient overload) due to urban sewage and runoff.
Hokersar (Srinagar outskirts)	A world-renowned bird sanctuary and a critical wetland. A vital stop on the Central Asian Flyway for millions of birds from Siberia and Europe. Hydrology: Serves as the primary flood-absorption basin for the Doodhganga flood channel. Threat: Rapidly shrinking due to siltation and encroachment by paddy fields.
Manasbal Lake (Ganderbal)	Considered the deepest lake in Kashmir (approx. 13 meters). Famous for the abundance of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) flowers during July and August. Heritage: Located near the remains of Darogabagh, a 17th-century Mughal fort (Jharokha Bagh). A major haunt for aquatic birds; it has no major outgoing stream, being primarily fed by internal springs.
Surinsar Lake (Jammu)	Often grouped with Mansar, it is located about 24 km from Jammu city. Legend says it was created by an arrow shot by the Mahabharata warrior Arjun. Environment: Surrounded by thick mangrove and pine forests; it is a protected sanctuary for freshwater turtles. Status: Together with Mansar, it is a designated Ramsar Site (Surinsar-Mansar Lakes).
Mansar Lake (Jammu)	A high-altitude freshwater lake situated on the forest-covered hills of the Shivalik range. Religious Site: A major pilgrimage spot; a temple dedicated to Sheshnag (the Lord of Serpents) is located on its eastern bank. Biodiversity: Home to seasonal migratory birds, various fish species, and the spotted pond turtle.