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Dal Lake : A Jewel of Srinagar

Famously known as the lake of Kashmir or the Jewel of Srinagar, Dal Lake is admired for its striking scenery, shaped by the Pir Panjal mountains that form a dramatic backdrop to its calm waters.

The Dal Lake area is spread over 15km, and is encompassed by a line of Mughal Gardens, parks, houseboats, river markets, etc. It is a part of a natural wetland of about 21.1 km, of which Dal Lake covers an approximate area of 18 square kilometres.

Formation of the Dal Lake and its Geological Span

However unknown, the creation of the Dal Jheel, some geologists believe that the Dal Lake was formed as part of a much larger pre-glacier lake that once covered the entire Kashmir Valley, whereas others think it was formed due to a simple flood.

It is a part of the 5 major river basins, namely: Gagribal (with a depth of approx. 3 meters), Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Nigeen, and Barari Nambal (with a depth of 6 meters), covering a surface area of 18 to 22 sq. kilometres in length.

Dal Jheel receives its primary freshwater supply from glacier-fed streams, especially the Telbalnala channel, and it uses policies that are far beyond the lake’s borders, directly affecting the Jheel’s health.

Dal Lake’s relevance in the socio-cultural structure of J&K

The Dal Lake, also known as the “Venice of the East,” is a quintessential landmark for its natural beauty, traditional Kashmiri culture, and distinctive wooden houseboats that are not often seen elsewhere. It’s still water reflects how and when the sky changes its colours, creating a calm, mirror-like reflection that attracts visitors throughout the year.

Shikharas and Houseboats: The houseboats, once described as “a slice of England afloat on Dal,” are deeply linked with Srinagar’s identity. Equally significant are the Shikaras, the wooden boats, which fulfil roles such as transportation, fishing stages, and even serving as miniature floating marketplaces.

Importance for locals: The lake is home to numerous species of fish, and the surrounding markets provide a variety of fruits and vegetables. It is especially helpful for locals who depend on such agricultural and horticultural activities to make a living.

But apart from the agricultural and traditional aspects of Dal Jheel, it has been a huge inspiration for the poets, writers, and artists of centuries.

A famous 12th-century poet, Kalhana, who was very fond of the Dal Jheel, poetically claims it as “where the sun shines mildly, being the place created by Kashayapa as if for his glory.”

The lake’s condition directly influences the income, tourism activity, and ecological stability of communities living around it.

Ecological Crisis Faced by Dal Lake

Over the years, Dal Lake has experienced a sharp environmental decline due to multiple human-induced and natural pressures.

The mass fish deaths were the first major concern of the promoted experts in understanding and proposing various theories to pinpoint the cause of the ecological crisis. Some theories explain that this was due to the depletion of oxygen in the deeper layers, which led to suffocation and the death of the aquatic life.

What caused this ecological crisis?

Let us look at some of the reasons that help us understand what caused such a massive ecological crisis.

Massive Sewage Load: Almost 70 million waste products from factories and residences around the Dal Lake area have been a major reason for the reduced flow and life span. The floating markets and the fruit and vegetable waste disposed of intentionally or accidentally in the lake have caused a massive sewage load.

Siltation and Shrinkage: The physical degradation in the quality and colour of the lake has also been due to the siltation that gets collected all over the water body, leading to the death of fish. This death and shrinkage further result in immediate consequences that ultimately have to be faced by the Lake’s quality and the local communities.

Water Quality Decline: Fish play a major role in maintaining the Lake’s food chain as well as the local fishing communities.

The fish that once served as food for the bigger aquatic life may now struggle to survive due to the massive deaths.

Furthermore, those who depend upon the aquatic life for food and agriculture have also faced a stark decline due to the loss.

Government Initiatives undertaken to conserve the Dal Lake

Conservation initiatives have been taken by the Lake Conservation and Management Authorities to protect the Dal Lake, which has seen significant effects in the last 5 years.

1. The Lake Conservation plan: Conservation efforts undertaken by the government of India have sanctioned funds for restoration and bringing back the quality through several rehabilitation measures.

2. Steps for physical repair: coming sediment, mechanical de-weeding to reduce excess aquatic growth, and improvements to deepen the outflow channels.

3. Area Management: Long-term sustainability plans have been addressed to external sources of degradation, including the re-afforestation of the specific catchment areas to reduce soil erosion and limit the movement of silt.

4. Regulatory and Social Controls: To restrict further human-induced pollution, regulations have been imposed on new construction works close to the lakefront, especially prohibiting the building of any new houseboats.

Additionally, actions have also been taken to migrate the population living close to the lakefront areas to reduce sewage and waste discharge directly into the water body.

Such actions have resulted in a significant change, which has successfully reduced the waste discharge, making the Dal Lake “cleaner and attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors.”