Editorial photo #13938269 Human Interest

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

A man rows a boat through algae-covered waters in the interior of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 07, 2026. Dal Lake, a prominent tourist destination in Kashmir, faces ecological challenges due to untreated sewage, silt, and solid waste entering the lake. Elevated nutrient levels 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 and local fishing communities. Environmentalists and conservation authorities express concerns over these issues. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)