By: Hussain Shah
(Former Director Research & Dean Faculty of Agriculture at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir)
Every year when we mark the World Environment Day in Kashmir, I think of our water bodies. And there is a reason for that. This day is celebrated annually on June 5 and is the United Nations’ principal platform for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
On this special day, I would like to humbly highlight two of the most vital natural resources of Jammu & Kashmir, water bodies and mountain ranges. This region is richly endowed with lakes, rivers, springs, streams, and nallahs, surrounded by some of the loftiest mountain ranges, which serve as the lifeline for these water resources.
Among the significant mountain ranges are the Karakoram, Zanskar, Nun Kun, and Nanga Parbat, in addition to the Shivaliks, Pir Panjal, and their offshoots.
Prominent lakes of the region include Wular, Dal, Nigeen, Anchar, Manasbal, Mansar, Harwan, Hokersar, Vishnupad, Gangbal, Sheeshnag, Neelnag, Tarsar, and Marsar. The Sokh and Dokh lakes remain frozen most of the year, while Pangong Lake in Ladakh is a saline (saltwater) lake.
The main rivers flowing through the region include the Jhelum, Ravi, Chenab, Indus, Zanskar, Shyok, Kishanganga, Doda, Drass, and Nubra.
In addition, the Kashmir Valley is home to numerous springs, notable among them being Verinag, Martand, Achanak, Kokernag, Chashma Shahi (famous for its fresh and digestive water), and Tulamulla (a sacred spring). Each of these water bodies holds ecological and cultural significance.
Among all, Dal Lake is by far the most iconic — admired for its serene beauty and rich biodiversity. The total catchment area of Dal Lake is approximately 337.13 sq. kilometers, nearly 20 times larger than the lake itself. It is primarily fed by a perennial inflow channel known as the Telbal Nallah, which originates from Mansar Lake high in the mountains. Other feeder streams include Bota Koul, Peshpaw, and Meraksha Nallah, along with contributions from underground springs.
Despite its past glory, Dal Lake today faces serious environmental threats that have led to its gradual deterioration. While the government has taken several commendable initiatives to restore its ecological health, much more remains to be done to fully reclaim its lost charm and functionality.
Let this World Environment Day remind us of the urgent need to protect and rejuvenate our invaluable natural assets, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
