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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 waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on June 27, 2026. Dal Lake, a prominent tourist destination in Kashmir, is experiencing 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 increased the growth of aquatic weeds and algae, reduced dissolved oxygen levels, and affected 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 have expressed concerns. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13894118
Date Taken	27 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Environmental Issue
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Small Group of People Action Shot Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority LAWDA Dal Lake Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir June 27 2026 ecological challenges untreated sewage silt solid waste nitrogen phosphorus aquatic weeds algae dissolved oxygen ecosystem fish habitats fish breeding fishing communities environmentalists conservation authorities Firdous Nazir NurPhoto