Kashmir's Lakes Threatened by Pollution Even as Tourism Booms

Kashmir’s water bodies are undergoing a severe ecological decline. According to India’s Comptroller and Auditor General, the region had 697 recorded lakes and wetlands in 1967; today 315 have vanished completely and another 203 have shrunk dramatically. Ongoing discharge of untreated sewage, plastic waste, construction debris and invasive weeds continues to pollute the remaining lakes, rendering financial restoration projects ineffective without stronger governance and public stewardship.

At the same time, Dal Lake in Srinagar remains a popular summer destination. Visitors are drawn to the cool mornings, traditional Shikara rides, floating markets and historic houseboats. Landmarks such as the Char Chinar island attract photographers, while the lake’s tranquil atmosphere offers a respite from heat elsewhere in India. The contrast highlights a growing tension between tourism growth and the urgent need to protect the lake’s ecosystem.