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CAG: 74% of Kashmir's Lakes Are Disappearing

Shikara boats are moored to the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 11, 2026. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India reports that nearly 74 percent of Kashmir's lakes have either vanished or are shrinking, with 518 out of 697 water bodies affected. This includes 315 that have disappeared and 203 that have reduced in size, resulting in a loss of 2,851 hectares since 1967 due to factors such as climate change and encroachments. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13560873
Date Taken	10 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Shikara boats Dal Lake Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir Comptroller and Auditor General of India red alert Kashmir lakes vanishing lakes shrinking lakes water bodies disappeared lakes reduced size massive loss hectares 1967 climate change encroachments Firdous Nazir NurPhoto April 11 2026 moored banks alarming condition 74 percent 518 affected 697 water bodies 315 disappeared 203 reduced environmental impact conservation ecological decline water conservation natural resources habitat loss lake preservation.