CAG Report Reveals Alarming Loss of 518 Lakes in J&K
Synopsis
A recent CAG report reveals that Jammu and Kashmir is facing a severe environmental crisis, with 518 of its 697 surveyed lakes having either vanished or degraded significantly, raising urgent concerns about ecological health in the region.
Key Takeaways
518 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either vanished or degraded.
The ecological crisis is primarily driven by human activities.
The report highlights the failure of conservation efforts for major water bodies.
Establishing a unified authority for lake management is recommended.
High-altitude glacial lakes are vulnerable to GLOFs.
Srinagar, April 6 (NationPress) A startling report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlights a dire situation in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that 518 out of 697 surveyed lakes have either completely disappeared or suffered severe degradation.
The CAG's findings underscore an ecological emergency in the region, indicating that 315 lakes have vanished entirely due to factors such as rampant encroachment, urban sprawl, and alterations in land use.
The audit, which examined data spanning from 1967 to 2020, indicates that without urgent action, this environmental crisis could escalate.
The report pinpoints seven specific water bodies that have become 'invisible' after completely drying up, including Rakh-e-Arth, Sethergund Numbal, Marhama, Devpursar, Mahtan, Chandargar Numbal, and Galwal Talao.
The degradation is primarily attributed to human activities, particularly the transformation of wetlands into agricultural, residential, or commercial spaces. Furthermore, the report highlights the inadequacy of conservation efforts for major water bodies such as Dal and Wullar, noting issues like untreated sewage and the ineffectiveness of the responsible authorities.
Among the 315 lakes that have disappeared, 235 were overseen by the Revenue and Agriculture Departments, while 80 fell under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. Only a handful of key lakes (Dal, Wullar, Hokersar, Manasbal, Surinsar, and Mansar) received adequate attention, leaving the remaining 691 without appropriate management strategies.
The CAG recommends the establishment of a specialized, unified authority to avert further loss and facilitate the restoration of these essential water bodies.
In a related study, researchers have identified five high-altitude glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya as being highly vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can be triggered by extreme weather events like cloudbursts.
The study has flagged high-risk lakes including Bramsar and Chirsar (Kulgam), Nundkol and Gangabal (Ganderbal), and Bhagsar (Shopian). Conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Kashmir, this research emphasizes the susceptibility and potential downstream impacts across the Kashmir Himalayas.
Point of View
The need for a coordinated approach to conservation and management is paramount. This situation highlights the broader implications of urbanization and land-use changes, necessitating a united effort to preserve these natural resources.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CAG report reveal about lakes in J&K?
The CAG report reveals that 518 out of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either completely disappeared or suffered significant degradation.
What are the main causes of lake disappearance?
The main causes include rampant encroachment, urban expansion, and changes in land use, which have led to the drying up of many lakes.
Which lakes have completely vanished according to the report?
The report identifies seven lakes that have completely vanished, including Rakh-e-Arth and Sethergund Numbal.
What recommendations does the CAG report make?
The report recommends establishing a specialized authority to manage and restore the affected water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir.
Are there any risks associated with glacial lakes in the region?
Yes, a related study has identified several high-altitude glacial lakes in Kashmir as being highly susceptible to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
