Important Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has many lakes and most of these lakes are of glacial origin. These lakes can be divided into three regions i.e. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region. Some of the important lakes are discussed below:
Lakes of Jammu Region :
Mansar Lake
This lake is situated 55 km East of Jammu at a height of 666 km in the Shiwalik range. It is a freshwater lake.Mansar lake is a very small lake which is about 1204 m in length and about 645 m in the width. Sheshnag Shrine is situated on its Eastern bank. People take a holy dip in it on festive occasions.
Surinsar Lake
This lake is situated about 40 km to the North-East of Jammu in the Western Shiwaliks, the foothills of Himalayas at a height of 605 m. It is a freshwater lake. It is about 888 m in length and 444 m in width. It is a much loved picturesque tourist
spot in Jammu region.
Lakes of Kashmir Region
Anchar Lake
This lake is situated in Srinagar. It is about 8 km long and 3 km wide. This lake lies at an altiude of 1585 m above mean sea level. About half of its area become a marshland. The Sind Nala feeds this lake.On its North-West bank Ganderbal town is situated.
Dal Lake
This lake is situated in the East of Srinagar. The lake covers 18 sq km area which makes it the second largest lake in the state. This lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and has a great ecological and socio-economical significance in Kashmir. It attracts national as well as international tourists. It is about 8 km in length and 6.4 km in width. It is also known as ‘Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir’ or ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’. The lake is surrounded by Mughal Garden. The lake has floating gardens where different types of vegetables are grown.
Gangabal Lake
This lake is situated on the North-East slopes of Harmukh mountains at a height of approx 3600 m above mean sea level. The lake is located 45 km North of Srinagar.
Hokersar Lake
This lake is situated 13 km from Srinagar. It is about 5 km in length and 1.5 km in width. It is a home of migratory birds which came in winter season, e.g. waterfowls, shorebirds and trans-Himalayan species. Due to its ecological value, the lake has been declared as Conservation Reserve under the Jammu and KashmirWildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. In 2005, the lake has been declared as Ramsar site under Ramsar Convention.
Konsarnag Lake
This lake is situated between the peaks of Pir Panjal range in extreme South-West of Kashmir valley. It is located at a height of 400 m above mean sea level. The lake is about 5 km long and 3 km wide.
Manasbal Lake
This lake is located 29 km from Srinagar. The lake covers an area of 2.81 sq km in the state. It is about 5 km long and 1 km wide. A canal connects this lake with the Jhelum river near Sumbal.
Sheshnag Lake
This lake is situated on the North-Eastern side of Dachnipora town of Anantnag district of Kashmir region. It is situated at a height of 3600 m above mean sea level. This lake is about 2 km long and 1 km wide.
Wular Lake
This lake is situated at the Northern part of Kashmir valley and 32 km North-West of Srinagar. It is the largest freshwater lake of India, which covers an area of about 189 sq km. It is 16 km long and 9.6 km wide. It provides water to Jhelum river. On its South-West shore, the town of Sopore lies and to its North-East part an island lies which has about 15th century ruins.
Lakes of Ladakh
Pangong Lake
This lake is situated around 160 km away from Leh district. It is located at a height of 4350 m above mean sea level on Changtang plateau in Eastern part of Ladakh. This lake covers total area of 604 sq km. The lake is about 134 km long and 5-6 km wide. It is a salty lake and also known as Hollow Lake.
Tso Moriri Lake
It is located in Changtang area. The lake is about 28 km in length, 4-6 km wide and 248 feet in depth. It is also known as TsoMoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. The water of this lake is less brackish as compared Pangong lake, thus supports more bird life.
