Editorial photo #13894099 Environmental Issue

Kashmir's Iconic Dal Lake Battles Pollution And Algae Amid Ongoing Restoration Efforts

Labourers from the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) remove weeds from the algae-covered waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on June 27, 2026. Dal Lake, a prominent tourist destination in Kashmir, faces significant ecological challenges. Tens of millions of litres of untreated sewage, approximately 80,000 tonnes of silt annually, and solid waste from nearby settlements and houseboats enter the lake. Elevated levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have led to increased growth of aquatic weeds and algae, reduced dissolved oxygen levels, and disrupted the lake's ecosystem. The declining water quality has impacted fish habitats, breeding, and survival, leading to a decrease in native fish populations and affecting the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Environmentalists and conservation authorities express concerns over these issues. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)