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
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Surinsar Lake
- Location: Jammu region, near Mansar Lake.
- Features: Smaller than Mansar, surrounded by hills.
- Significance: Part of Surinsar-Mansar Ramsar site, biodiversity hotspot.
- 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.
- 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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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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