Mansar Lake: A 12,000-year-old legacy threatened by neglect and exploitation

Urgent action needed to save Jammu's precious waterbody

JAMMU: The plight of Mansar Lake is indeed distressing, reflecting a broader issue of environmental degradation and neglect. The convergence of human intervention and climate change poses a significant threat to this vital freshwater ecosystem.
The narrative underscores the urgent need for concerted action to preserve and rejuvenate the lake. The rampant exploitation of its resources, coupled with pollution from various sources, underscores the necessity for stringent regulations and proactive measures to mitigate further damage.
In an estimated 12,000 years of existence, Mansar Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Shivalik range of the Jammu region, is facing existential threat due to human intervention and climate change.
The lake, at an elevation of 600 metres in Samba district, nearly 60 km from Jammu, is being ruthlessly exploited for water along its catchment area, creating hostile conditions which, according to scientists, could pave the way for its demise.
Despite the establishment of a separate management body, the Surinsar Mansar Development Authority in 2006, the lake is in a neglected state. A visit to the lake is itself a harrowing experience. From a distance, it gives a majestic look but on moving closer, one can see its poor state.
The involvement of local communities is paramount in any conservation effort. Their dependence on the lake for sustenance underscores the interconnectedness between human livelihoods and environmental health. Empowering these communities with sustainable alternatives and fostering a sense of ownership over the lake can contribute to its preservation.
Prof RK Ganjoo, Department of Geology, University of Jammu, who conducted a research on lake sedimentation in the Himalayas, said pollution due to human action was alarming at the lake.
“Pollution and decline in rainfall during the monsoon for the past few years are a major worry for the health and future of lakes in J&K. If there is a drought for an extended period, the lake may slowly dry up,” he said.
Local villagers, who have great reverence for the water body, considered as the abode of ‘sheshnag’, a mythical creature mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, seem unaffected by the slow destruction of the lake.
“Rainfall has declined but the needs of people have increased. The government has constructed drains to channelise rainwater but no plan has been made to prevent sewage water from hotels and houses from going into the lake. Dirty water will pour into the water body. There is no option,” said Inderjit Malhotra , a visitor to the lakeshore.
Furthermore, government bodies must prioritize the allocation of resources towards the restoration and maintenance of Mansar Lake. This includes implementing effective waste management systems, regulating agricultural practices to minimize pesticide runoff, and investing in infrastructure to prevent sewage contamination.

Updated On 5/10/2024 2:54:55 AM