Important Lakes and Wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K):- jkssb study material.

 

Important Lakes and Wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)

J&K is rich in water bodies, particularly lakes and wetlands, due to its Himalayan location and glacial origins. These are critical for JKSSB exams, as J&K geography is a high-weightage topic.

Key Lakes in J&K

  1. Wular Lake
    • Location: Bandipora district.
    • Features: Largest freshwater lake in India, fed by Jhelum River, has Zaina Lank island.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (1990), vital for flood control and fisheries (60% of Kashmir Valley’s fish supply).
  2. Dal Lake
    • Location: Srinagar.
    • Features: Known for houseboats, shikaras, and floating gardens; deepest lake in India (6m max depth).
    • Significance: Tourism hub, surrounded by Mughal gardens (Shalimar, Nishat).
  3. Manasbal Lake
    • Location: Ganderbal district.
    • Features: Deepest lake in Kashmir Valley (13m), connected to Jhelum River.
    • Significance: Known for lotus cultivation and scenic beauty; Mughal garden (Jaroka Bagh) overlooks it.
  4. Nigeen Lake
    • Location: Srinagar (connected to Dal Lake via a channel).
    • Features: Smaller and quieter than Dal Lake, freezes in winter.
    • Significance: Residential houseboats and tourism.
  5. Mansar Lake
    • Location: Samba district (Jammu region), 62 km from Jammu.
    • Features: Sacred site linked to Mahabharata, surrounded by Sheshnag shrine.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (2005), tourism and pilgrimage spot.
  6. Surinsar Lake
    • Location: Jammu region, near Mansar Lake.
    • Features: Smaller than Mansar, surrounded by hills.
    • Significance: Part of Surinsar-Mansar Ramsar site, biodiversity hotspot.
  7. Gangabal Lake
    • Location: Ganderbal district, at the foothills of Harmukh Mountain.
    • Features: High-altitude oligotrophic lake (3,570 m), sacred to Hindus (Harmukh Ganga).
    • Significance: Known for trout fishing.
  8. Tarsar and Marsar Lakes
    • Location: Pulwama district, on Harmukh Mountain.
    • Features: Twin alpine lakes, Marsar is the source of Sharab Kohl canal.
    • Significance: Scenic beauty, trekking destination.

Key Wetlands in J&K

  1. Hokersar Wetland
    • Location: Near Srinagar (Zainakote area).
    • Features: Known as "Queen of Wetlands," fed by Doodhganga and Sukhnag streams.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (2005), hosts millions of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia (e.g., Mallard, Pochard).
  2. Shallabugh Wetland
    • Location: Ganderbal district, near Sindh River delta.
    • Features: 16 sq.km marsh with reed beds and floating plants.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (2022), supports endangered birds like Eastern Imperial Eagle.
  3. Hygam Wetland
    • Location: Baramulla district, on Jhelum floodplains.
    • Features: Last remaining Kashmiri reed beds.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (2022), migration route for 68 waterfowl species (e.g., White-Eyed Pochard).
  4. Surinsar-Mansar Wetland
    • Location: Samba district (Jammu region).
    • Features: Twin lakes with rich biodiversity.
    • Significance: Ramsar site (2005), supports tourism and ecological balance.

Additional Notes on J&K Wetlands

  • J&K has 5 Ramsar sites: Wular Lake, Hokersar, Surinsar-Mansar, Shallabugh, and Hygam.
  • Wetlands in J&K are vital for migratory birds, flood control, and local livelihoods (e.g., fish, lotus stem).
  • Threats: Encroachment, siltation, and pollution.

Quick Revision for JKSSB

India

  • Largest Freshwater Lake: Wular (J&K).
  • Largest Brackish Water Lake: Chilika (Odisha).
  • Most Ramsar Sites: Tamil Nadu.
  • First Ramsar Site: Chilika (1981).

J&K

  • Largest Lake: Wular.
  • Deepest Lake: Manasbal.
  • Famous for Tourism: Dal, Nigeen.
  • Sacred Lakes: Mansar, Gangabal.
  • Ramsar Wetlands: Wular, Hokersar, Surinsar-Mansar, Shallabugh, Hygam.

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