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518 Lakes Vanish in J&K, CAG Flags Ecological Crisis and GLOF Threat

A Comptroller and Auditor General report reveals an environmental catastrophe in Jammu and Kashmir, with 518 out of 697 surveyed lakes having vanished or severely degraded since 1967. The audit attributes the loss to rampant encroachment, urban expansion, and the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and development. It highlights the failure of conservation programs for major water bodies like Dal and Wullar due to untreated sewage and ineffective authorities. In a related threat, a scientific study has identified five high-altitude glacial lakes in the region as having a very high susceptibility to dangerous Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

Key Points: 518 Lakes Disappear in J&K: CAG Report Reveals Crisis

  • 518 of 697 lakes vanished/degraded
  • 315 lakes completely disappeared
  • Man-made degradation from land conversion
  • Failed conservation of Dal, Wullar lakes
  • 5 glacial lakes at high GLOF risk
2 min read

518 lakes out of 697 have disappeared/shrunken alarmingly in J&K: CAG report

CAG audit finds 518 of 697 J&K lakes vanished or degraded since 1967 due to encroachment, failed conservation, with new GLOF risks identified.

"518 lakes have either vanished completely or degraded beyond redemption. - CAG Report"

Srinagar, April 6

A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Jammu and Kashmir has made an alarming disclosure that 518 lakes have either vanished completely or degraded beyond redemption.

The CAG report has revealed an environmental crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, with 518 out of 697 surveyed lakes either having vanished or degraded.

The audit, which analysed data from 1967 to 2020, found that 315 lakes have completely disappeared due to rampant encroachment, urban expansion, and land-use changes.

The CAG flagged the emerging ecological crisis in the union territory, which could worsen if immediate measures are not taken.

The report specifically identified seven water bodies that have vanished, including Rakh-e-Arth, Sethergund Numbal, Marhama, Devpursar, Mahtan, Chandargar Numbal, and Galwal Talao, which have become 'invisible' after drying up completely.

The degradation is largely man-made, driven by the conversion of wetlands into agricultural, residential, or commercial land. The report flags the failure of conservation programmes for major water bodies like Dal and Wullar, with untreated sewage and ineffectiveness of designated authorities cited as major issues.

Of the 315 vanished lakes, 235 were under the supervision of the Revenue and Agriculture Departments, while 80 were managed by the Forest Department. Only six key lakes (Dal, Wullar, Hokersar, Manasbal, Surinsar, and Mansar) received focus, leaving the remaining 691 without proper management plans.

The CAG report recommends a specialised, unified authority to prevent further loss and ensure the restoration of these vital water bodies.

In a related development, a recent scientific study has identified five high-altitude glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya as having a "very high susceptibility" to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can be triggered by extreme weather events like cloudbursts.

Research highlighted by local authorities identified the high-risk lakes as Bramsar and Chirsar (Kulgam), Nundkol and Gangabal (Ganderbal), and Bhagsar (Shopian). The study on the susceptibility and potential downstream implications across the Kashmir Himalayas was carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Kashmir.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Shocking numbers! 315 lakes completely gone? This is a failure of monumental proportions by the departments in charge. Where was the accountability all these years? The report says 235 vanished lakes were under Revenue Dept supervision. What were they doing? Just collecting data on lost assets?
A
Aman W
It's not just about tourism or beauty. These lakes are crucial for groundwater recharge, local climate, and preventing floods. The GLOF risk mentioned at the end is terrifying. We're creating a double disaster—drying up lakes here, facing potential outbursts from glacial lakes upstream. Wake up call!
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Dal Lake a few years ago, the pollution was already visible. To hear that conservation programs for major lakes like Dal have failed is so disappointing. This is a precious ecosystem. There needs to be a balance between development and preservation.
V
Vikram M
The report covers data from 1967! This degradation has been happening for generations under different administrations. Pointing fingers now won't help. We need a strong, scientific, and *apolitical* body to manage this, as the CAG suggests. J&K's water security is at stake.
K
Kavya N
Only 6 lakes got focus out of 697? This shows a complete lack of vision. Every water body, big or small, plays a role in the ecology. Local communities must be involved in conservation too. It's their backyard. Public awareness is the first step. Share this news widely!
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