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CAG: 74% of Kashmir's Lakes Are Disappearing

Men row their boats on the waters 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	#13560877
Date Taken	11 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Dal Lake Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir April 11 2026 Comptroller and Auditor General of India red alert Kashmir's lakes alarming condition vanished lakes shrinking lakes 518 water bodies 697 water bodies 315 disappeared 203 reduced massive loss 2 851 hectares since 1967 climate change encroachments Firdous Nazir NurPhoto water bodies affected environmental impact lake conservation water management ecological degradation habitat loss natural resources water crisis sustainability ecosystem environmental report government oversight conservation efforts.