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CAG Finds Nearly Half Of Jammu And Kashmir’s Lakes Have Vanished Since 1967

Kashmiri men extract sand as heaps of garbage are visible at a dumping yard on the banks of the Jhelum River in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on April 9, 2026. The disposal of garbage on riverbanks is contributing to water pollution, affecting aquatic life. Freshwater lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, including Dal, Wular, and the Jhelum River, face ecological challenges due to untreated sewage, solid waste dumping, and high pollutant levels, with over 74% of 697 lakes either disappearing or shrinking. (Photo by Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13555035
Date Taken	9 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto

No People Kashmiri men sand extraction garbage heaps dumping yard Jhelum River Baramulla Jammu and Kashmir India April 2026 riverbanks water pollution aquatic life freshwater lakes ecological challenges untreated sewage solid waste dumping pollutant levels Dal Lake Wular Lake shrinking lakes disappearing lakes environmental impact waste disposal river pollution lake pollution sewage impact solid waste impact pollution levels ecological impact Nasir Kachroo NurPhoto April 9 2026.