Mansbal Lake

 

Mansbal Lake

Mansbal Lake is located in the Safapura area of ​​Ganderbal district, about 30 km north-west of Srinagar. Mansbal derives its name from Mansoor Lake and is surrounded by four villages Kondbal, Jarukbal Nasbal and Grathabal. It is the deepest fresh water lake in Asia and famous worldwide for its beauty. It is one of the highest lakes on the river Jhelum.

The volcanoes of the lake blooming during (July and August) in the presence of lotuses (Nelumbo nuifera) add to the beauty of the crystal clear waters of the lake. Mughal Bagh also known as Juroka Bagh. This lake is teeming with birds as it is one of the largest waterfowl habitats in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of “Supreme Money of Asian Lakes”. Along with the Mughal Gardens and Jhargbagh Fort, there are many gardens along the banks of the lake, apple orchards, groves of poplar trees and agricultural fields in the catchment areas add to its beauty.

Tourism authorities discovered a unique 8th-century sunken stone temple near the lake in 2007.

Apart from its beauty, the lake is also a source of income for the local population (Nelumbo nucifera) is cultivated, consumed and marketed by the local population. It is also a source of livelihood for local hunters and fishermen. Take part in its beauty. There are some serious facts about which the concerned authorities should take necessary steps as this lake is famous for fresh water but at the same time its fresh water content is decreasing day by day” according to the local population. They were using this water for drinking, cooking and other necessary purposes which they were taking from its banks. Yarbul) But nowadays most of the water near its banks (Yarbul) has become polluted and is not safe for drinking, cooking. Growth of phytoplankton, microphytes, unwanted weeds have led to eutrophication and this has been confirmed by test results.

According to a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) 1997 survey, sewage runoff, fertilizers from adjacent agricultural fields, siltation due to illegal runoff from adjacent fields, large-scale waste dumping sites, and 80 percent of the lake are weeded. have been taken under a thick blanket. A calamity that prevented boats from plying on it. Instead of constructing footpaths on its banks, the same money will be spent on the development of people from adjacent areas, which are the source of pollution of this lake. There is a lack of infrastructure and state resorts so the tourists who are coming there do not stay there. They can stay here overnight which will be beneficial for the people whose livelihood depends on it, several positive steps have also been taken by the Mansib Development Authority to save the gem of Asian Lakes.