LAKES

The Lakes of Kashmir are remnants of the ancient lake which, once occupied the entire valley and subsquently dissipated with the discharge of water through Baramulla-Khadanyar Gorge, in consequence of ecological changes from time to time.In this description of the lakes of Kashmir,vigne explains that the Dal is applied to a lake in the planes while Sar is the term for a Morass and Nag is used as a name for mountain lakes.
Among the valley lakes mention may be made of the Dal, the Wullar , the Mansbal and the Anchar. The mountain lakes besides rivers and valley lakes, constitute the important waterresources of the valley and are located at high altitudes providing fascinating view and camping sites.Some of these important lakes, found in the north Kashmir mountain ranges, are Vishensar, Kishensar, Gadsar, Rehmansar, Satsaran, Gangabal and Nandkul. Icebergs are seen floating in these lakes even in the mounth of August. In the Pir Panjal range, lakes of Tarsar, Marsar, Manawarsar and Shenshnag are conspicuous for there blue and Transparent water.The brief description of Principal lakes of Kashmir region are:

DAL-LAKE:
The Dal-Lake measuring about 6.4 kms x 4.03 kms. lies close to Srinagar. Because of cross embankments which were built for easy access across the lake, the Dal has now actually got divided into two parts, namely Lukut(small) and Bod(Big) Dal. The emerald water, reflects the shadow of the mountain ridges surrounding the lake. The Lake water possess certain properties which lend excellence to shawls when washed in it.
A good numberof springs in the Dal Lake itself and mountain streams like Dachigam stream are amoung the chief sources of the water of the lake. Torrential rains in the catchment areas some time result in increase in the water level, causing great damages to the vegetables grown on the floating gardens(RAD) in the lake. Excess water is let out from the lake through canals-Tsontkul and Nallah Amir Khan which connect it with river Jehlum and Anchar Sar, respectively. Two gates built on the Tsontkul-one at Gowkadal and another at Ram Munshi Bagh help to maintain the water level of the lake as also prevent Jehlum water from entering the lake during floods.
Unauthorised constructions, during the recent past, in and around the lake have caused pollution in its waters, and to combat this menace , Government of Jammu and Kashmir, with the assistance of the Central Agencies and of the world bodies, is fighting hard to preserve this beauty spot of the world-wide fame. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has planned the “Dal Development Project” with an object to protect and beautify the lake by adopting several measures which include construction of circular roads around the lakes, removal of weed from the lake waters with modern machines etc.

NAGIN LAKE:
It is known as the “Jewel in the Ring”, situated at a distance of 8 kms. from Lal Chowk, Srinagar. It is smallest and the most beautiful part of Dal Lake , separated by a narrow causeway. The blue deep water of the lake is pollution free, fit for drinking and swimming.

WULLAR LAKE:
The Wullar lake is the largest of all fresh water lakes in the whole asia, extending over an areaof 20.13x8.05 kms. It is about 54 kms. from Srinagar.
It acts as a flood-reservoir for the greatest part of the drainage of Kashmir.The lake area is said to have been the site of an ancient city called Sindmatnagar, which got sunk due to volcanic upheaval and floods. In the North –east corner is an island , Zainalank, with ruins of a complex of building , which were constructed during the reign of Sultan

Zain-ul-Abidin. The Bohnar, Madumati and Erin streams flow in the lake while, from the south, the Jehlum seeks a passage through it to Baramulla.It is surrounded by lofty mountains which tower over the north-east of the valley.Voilent storms which sweep over the lake hazardous, originate from these mountains.

MANASBAL LAKE:
Mansbal lake is half way between Srinagar and Wullar. This small but picturesque lake is chiefly known for deep clear water and pink lilies. The lake lies towards the east of Sind river at Safpora.It is surrounded by low hills, on one side, and elevated plateau, on the other. Its waters flow out through a canal to the Jehlum river. The Lake, however doesnot posses the same importance in Kashmir as the Wullar and the Dal lakes because it is not rich in natural products and its size is small; the length and width being 3.864 kms. and 0.756 kms, respectively. The area covered by this lake is 2.83sq.kms

GANGBAL LAKE:
The lake is situated on the top of Harmukh mountain, 3600 meters above sea level. The lake is about 2 kms. long and 1 1/2kms. broad. It accupies one of the most beautiful spots in the Sind valley. The Hindus consider it sacred, and perform the religious rites for there deceased in its banks. The ashes of there dead are immersed in the lake.

ANCHAR LAKE:
A large marshey tract known as the Anchar Lake lies to the north-west of Srinagar, at a distance of 10 kms. from Lal Chowk. The lake has no source of its own .It has come into existence due to the overflow of the waters of river Sind and dal-lake. In shape, it is triangular with its length about 11.2 kms. and breadth about 8 kms. covering an area of 22 square kilometers.

MANSAR LAKE:
This lake is situated at a distance of 25 kms. from Tral town of District Pulwama, with 34.9’ latitude and 75.12’ longitude. It is the source of Arau river which flows from its south-east corner. The water of this lake passes through Dachigam Rakh and is deposited at Harwan reservoir.

TARSAR LAKE:
The high altitude lake is situated at a height of 12500 feets bove the sea level and lies 34.9’ latitude and 75.12’ longitude. It is near the Holy cave of Shri amaranth on the Leeward side of the Mahadev mountain., like an almond. Its water escapes into the Dal lake through the Harwan, with sweet and transparent properties.

TULIN LAKE:
This tarn lake is in the east of pahalgam at a distance of about 20 kilometers and 5 kilometers baisaran.A steep climb , through virgin pine forest,leads through the ridged high altitude landscape to this beautiful water body .It is peaceful and famous campaining site in the region.