Once Famed, Kashmir’s Anchar Lake Fights For Survival

‘Pollution, Encroachment Threaten Its Pristine Waters’

Srinagar: Once renowned for its fish, Nadru, and lush vegetable gardens, Anchar Lake in the Soura area of Srinagar was now struggling for survival as unauthorized disposal sites have been established on its coastline, causing it to become a victim.

The lake, linked to Dal Lake through the Nallah Amir Khan water channel, has faced a drastic reduction in size as well, nearly half of its original area, over the past few decades due to administrative neglect, rampant pollution, siltation, and encroachment.

Formerly a sought-after tourist destination, Anchar Lake is losing its allure as the nearby residents continue to dispose of solid waste directly into its waters on a daily basis. The lake, once famous for high-quality fish, Nadru, vegetable gardens, and chestnuts, no longer exhibits these features, according to locals.

According to locals, the current state of the lake has taken a toll on aquatic life, impacting the 93,000 residents who rely on fishing and other sources of income. The lake's size has dwindled from 19.4 sq. km to just 6.8 sq. km, transforming it into a dumping ground for sewage, residential trash, and various pollutants.

Fareeda Begum, residing on the lake's shores, expresses concern as her area, along with other low-lying areas, is being used as a dumping site for domestic and commercial waste. "The lake, once crystal clear and a source of drinking water, is now heavily contaminated," she said. Migratory birds have vanished due to growing pollution, according to Fareeda's daughter, Shafeeqa.

Local fisherman Mohammad Ashraf laments the decline in Nadru production, attributing it to pollution, encroachments, and the lake's fast shrinkage.

Jammu And Kashmir Power Development Corporation