Manasbal Lake
Prelims:
Environment
& Ecology, Geography
Mains:
GS
Paper I-Geography, GS Paper III-Environment
Current relevance:
Manasbal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir
is witnessing an ecological revival, marked by the return of migratory birds
following sustained conservation measures.
Highlights:
About
Manasbal Lake:
- It is the deepest
freshwater lake in India, located in Ganderbal district of Jammu &
Kashmir.
- The
lake is fed primarily by underground springs and seasonal runoff, and drains
into the Jhelum River through the Jhelum–Manasbal channel.
- it is known for its
abundant lotus blooms and diverse aquatic flora and fauna.
- It
serves as an important wintering habitat for numerous resident and migratory
bird species along the Central Asian Flyway.
- t
is managed by the Wullar–Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA), which
undertakes restoration and conservation measures.
Key
Conservation Measures:
- De-weeding
Operations:
More than 7,200 cubic metres of excessive aquatic
vegetation were cleared to restore ecological balance and improve water
quality.
- 2.
Dredging:
Around 70,000 square feet of the lake was dredged to
restore its depth, clear water channels, and improve ecological health.
- 3.
Water
Budgeting:
The J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority will
conduct water budgeting to assess the lake's carrying capacity, water usage,
and ecological water needs.
- 4.
Waste Management:
A Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and an Integrated
Solid Waste Management Plant are being developed to ensure that untreated
waste does not enter the lake.
Future
Course of Action:
- Adopt
an integrated conservation approach by strengthening ecological restoration,
implementing scientific water resource management, controlling
pollution, and promoting community-led stewardship to ensure the lake's
long-term ecological sustainability.
Source:
THE
HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jksmansballake-starts-hosting-migratory-birds-again/article71233500.ece#:~:text=Manasbal%20Lake%2C%20the%20country's%20deepest,km%20and%201.5%20km%2C%20respectively.