The Dying Dal

The Losses

The Dal Lake, which is one of the most scenic destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, is witnessing rapid destruction. Over the course of centuries, the Dal has been shrinking, constantly.

In the 15th Century, the Dal, which was then called Sureshwari, has around 76 km² of open water. This had shrunk to 25.60 km² in the 19th Century, and further shrunk to 20.00 km² in 1930.

By 1981, it's size was reduced to 11.70 km² of open water. 

An Indian startup is about to install cafés and laterines around the Dal, thanks to the abrogation of Article-370 and 35A. Time will tell the fate of the Dal.

Causes 

The Dal is waterered by many streams. A lot of inorganic matter and nutrients enter the Dal with them. The Telbal Nallah, which drains the deforested and overgrazed catchments brings a lot of sediments annually into the Astawhol Basin. Moreover, the chemical fertilizers, generally applied in the paddy field, overflow into the lake at times of heavy rainfall. This makes the waters more fertile. The annual accumulation of nitrate inflow in the lake is over 16 tonnes of phosphorus and 325 tonnes of nitrogen. 

Due to this, there is a tremendous growth of macrophytes, phytoplanktons, zooplanktons, fish and bacteria in the lake.

The pH value of the water is steadily rising. 

A lot of garbage is disposed into the Dal due to the floating vegetable gardens.

Deforestation and overgrazing in the Zabarwan range also contributes to the problem.