Photos: Kashmir’s Dal Lake faces environmental and climate challenges

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Dal Lake in Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir, is under growing environmental strain from pollution, unregulated construction, land encroachment and climate-related pressures. The photo feature describes a lake that was once known for clear water, floating gardens and houseboats, but is now affected by untreated sewage, plastic waste, weed growth and siltation.

The article says the lake remains central to daily life and tourism, supporting boatmen, shopkeepers, fishermen and residents who rely on its waterways and shoreline economy. It also notes that local harvesting of water lilies and lotus stems continues, showing how closely livelihoods are tied to the lake even as its condition worsens. The report cites the Telbal creek as a key inlet and says the lake’s area has shrunk over the past five decades, with its depth reduced by heavy siltation.

According to the piece, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are adding to the damage and making conservation more difficult. Al Jazeera also notes that periodic clean-up efforts and official conservation schemes have not yet reversed the decline. More broadly, the situation at Dal Lake reflects environmental stress across Kashmir Valley, where population growth and development have intensified pressure on water resources and fragile ecosystems.