{"id":14117,"date":"2026-07-04T17:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T11:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/?post_type=academic_content&#038;p=14117"},"modified":"2026-07-04T17:00:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T11:30:51","slug":"lakes-in-india","status":"publish","type":"academic_content","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/lakes-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakes in India: Types, Distribution, Importance, Major Lakes and Conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lakes in India: Lakes are land-locked water bodies of standing water which have a significant role in freshwater resources and ecological balance in India. Lakes serve different purposes, including drinking water, irrigation, groundwater recharge, flood moderation, fishery and biodiversity conservation facilities, recreation and tourism, according to the MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) &amp; NPCA (National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems). They provide habitat for migratory birds and freshwater species, while also supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Spread across its diverse geographical areas, India has natural lakes (glacial, tectonic, oxbow, lagoon and freshwater lakes) as well as artificial lakes and reservoirs; for sustainable planning of water resources management and conservation of the environment, they are vital.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Types of Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indian lakes, as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), National Wetland Atlas (ISRO) &amp; National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) are divided into various types based on their origin, namely tectonic lake, glacial lake, oxbow lake, lagoon (coastal) lake, crater lake &amp; artificial reservoir.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tectonic Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created from tectonic actions such as faulting and folding of the Earth&#8217;s crust.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Often very deep and permanent freshwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Distributed only in the Himalayan region<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support fisheries, biodiversity, and tourism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Act as important freshwater reservoirs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide habitat for migratory birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>E.g: Wular Lake (Jammu &amp; Kashmir)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Glacial Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created by melting glaciers or glacial erosion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mostly located in the Himalayas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feed perennial rivers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support alpine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important freshwater sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some are prone to GLOFs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Examples: Tso Moriri, Gurudongmar, Chandratal.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fluvial (Riverine) Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They develop through l channel migration and floodplain processes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mostly occur in river valleys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nutrient-dense and bountiful with aquatic life<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support agriculture and fisheries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help regulate floods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a subclass, include ox-bows;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Example: Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oxbow Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created when a river goes through and cuts off one of the bends of its own.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Horseshoe-shaped freshwater lakes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Widespread in the plains of Ganga and Brahmaputra.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recharge groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rich fishing grounds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Example: Kanwar Lake (Bihar).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagoon (Coastal) Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created when seawater becomes separated from the ocean by sandbars or spits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Usually contain brackish water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rich in biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support fisheries and aquaculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Protect coastlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major bird habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>E.g. Chilika Lake; Pulicat Lake; Vembanad Lake<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salt Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contain saline water because evaporation is higher but a low drainage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scattered across the drylands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your faithful sources of salt and minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support specialised flora and fauna.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Attract migratory birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Economically significant.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examples: <\/span><b>Sambhar Lake, Didwana Lake.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freshwater Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get Accept The Water From Rainfall Or Spring Or River.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Low salinity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a source of drinking water and irrigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rich in aquatic biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support fisheries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examples:<\/span><b> Loktak Lake, Wular Lake.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Crater (Impact\/Volcanic) Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created in volcanic craters or meteorite craters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rare in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Scientifically important.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support unique ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Popular geotourism sites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Protected for geological value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Example:<\/span><b> Lonar Lake (Maharashtra).<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Artificial (Reservoir) Lakes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Created by damming rivers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Collect water for irrigating your plants and drinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generate hydroelectric power.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help control floods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support fisheries and tourism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Essential for water resource management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They include: <\/span><b>Gobind Sagar, Hirakud Reservoir, Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urban Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located within or around cities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recharge groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Improve urban microclimate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Store stormwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important recreational spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example: <\/span><b>Hussain Sagar (Hyderabad), Upper Lake (Bhopal)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Floodplain Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the case of floodplains, these are made each year when rivers overflow their banks in the spring thaw.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recharge groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Moderate floods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rich in fish diversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important wetlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Examples \u2014 <\/span><b>Deepor Beel (Assam), Kanwar Lake (Bihar)<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Man-made Tanks and Village Lakes &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constructed to harvest rainwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commonly distributed over southern and western India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Used for irrigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recharge groundwater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Supply drinking water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Support local biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Like: <\/span><b>Veeranam Lake, Tamil Nadu; Bhojtal or Upper Lake in Bhopal<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Region-wise Distribution of Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Region<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Major Lake Types<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Prominent Lakes<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key Characteristics<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Himalayan Region (Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Glacial, Tectonic, High-altitude<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wular, Dal, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Gurudongmar, Chandratal, Naini<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Formed by glacial and tectonic processes; major freshwater sources feeding Himalayan rivers.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Indo-Gangetic Plains (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oxbow, Floodplain, Wetland Lakes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kanwar Lake, Deepor Beel, Kabar Tal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Formed by river meanders and floodplain processes; rich in biodiversity, fisheries, and migratory birds.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Western India (Rajasthan &amp; Gujarat)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salt, Saline, Seasonal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sambhar, Didwana, Lunkaransar, Nal Sarovar<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dominated by saline lakes due to arid climate and high evaporation; important for salt production and bird habitats.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Central India (Madhya Pradesh &amp; Chhattisgarh)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Artificial, Freshwater<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bhojtal (Upper Lake), Gangrel Reservoir<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mainly reservoirs and man-made lakes used for irrigation, drinking water, and fisheries.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Peninsular India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reservoir, Crater, Freshwater<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lonar, Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, Veeranam<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Includes crater lakes and large reservoirs supporting irrigation, hydropower, and urban water supply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Western Coastal Region (Kerala, Karnataka, Goa)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagoon, Backwater, Estuarine<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vembanad, Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brackish and freshwater lakes connected to the Arabian Sea; support fisheries, tourism, and wetlands.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Eastern Coastal Region (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lagoon, Coastal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chilika, Pulicat, Kolleru<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Coastal lagoons and freshwater lakes rich in biodiversity, aquaculture, and migratory bird habitats.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>North-Eastern Region (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freshwater, Floodplain, Wetland<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Loktak, Deepor Beel, Pala Wetland<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rich in freshwater wetlands; important for biodiversity, fisheries, and endemic aquatic ecosystems.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Also Read &#8211; Lakes in India<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 100%;border-collapse: collapse;text-align: center\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/yamuna-river-system-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yamuna River System<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/son-river-origin-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Son River<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/ganga-river-system-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ganga River System<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/jhelum-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jhelum River System<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/indus-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indus River System<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/godavari-river-system-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Godavari River System<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/brahmaputra-river-system-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brahmaputra River System<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/indian-river-systems-upsc-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian River Systems<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/kaveri-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kaveri River<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/narmada-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Narmada River Explained<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/krishna-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Krishna River System<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px;border: 1px solid #000\"><a style=\"color: #393fd7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/sutlej-river\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sutlej River System<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Significance of Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Freshwater Source:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lakes supply water for domestic, drinking, irrigation and industrial uses; important aspect of global freshwater security in dry periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Aquifer Replenishment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lakes promote percolation of precipitation, refilling aquifers and sustaining groundwater levels in adjacent areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity Hotspots: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They can conserve biodiversity by providing habitats for fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic plants and migratory birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Flood mitigation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lakes are nature&#8217;s water body storage space, and during the monsoon, rainwater that cannot be absorbed in the ground naturally flows into lakes, which help to reduce the chances of flooding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Regulation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Larger lakes help to regulate local temperatures, raise humidity levels and influence the regional microclimate \u2014 in turn promoting stability of environmental factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Economic Value:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lakes have fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, hydropower, transportation and tourism, providing millions of livelihoods around lakes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ecological Benefits \u2013 They help in the trapping of sediments, filtering pollutants, and cycling nutrients to improve water quality\u2014thereby supporting healthy aquatic ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cultural and Spiritual Significance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Numerous lakes in India have connections with temples, festivals, and pilgrimage sites, contributing to the richness of India&#8217;s cultural values; externally, an important aspect of North Indian spiritual heritage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Recreation and Tourism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lakes draw people for boating, birdwatching, watersports, photography and nature tourism that can boost local economies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Disaster Resilience and Sustainability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Healthy lakes increase drought resilience, sustainable water management, and climate change adaptation by providing surface storage of water and maintaining ecosystem balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Government Initiatives for Lake Conservation in India &#8211; Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several measures have been initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Ministry of Jal Shakti and other government ministries for conservation and restoration of lakes throughout India. Key initiatives include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> One integrated scheme for conservation and management of lakes and wetlands, including pollution abatement, restoration, biodiversity conservation and community participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Wetlands Conservation and Management Rule, 2017 provides an immediate regulatory framework for the protection, wise use of wetlands and lakes in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Remote sensing-based national wetland and lake map, monitor, and database built by ISRO, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This important initiative aims to facilitate the conservation and sustainable management of Ramsar Sites, which include many important lakes. Also Read: Amrit Dharohar Initiative: The guiding principles for conservation of wetlands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Namami Gange Programme:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Restoration of lakes, wetlands, and water bodies associated with the Ganga basin by means of pollution abatement and ecosystem restoration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> For costing urban lakes, stormwater management and environmental remediation of urban water bodies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Jal Sakti Abhiyan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2014 Catch the Rain: Promotes community participation in lake restoration, rainwater harvesting, watershed management and groundwater recharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ramsar Convention:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Certain lakes in India are acknowledged as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, which are covered under global commitments for their conservation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major Environmental Issues Affecting Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water Pollution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lake water quality is compromised by untreated sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eutrophication: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A high concentration of nutrients enriches planktonic plant life, causing an increase in the water and thereby leading to a reduction of dissolved oxygen, which negatively affects both aquatic animals and humans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Illegal Construction and Land Reclamation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Reduces the area of lakes&#8217; shrinkage, Disrupt the natural drainage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Solid waste dumping Contaminates lakes and adversely affects biodiversity via plastic and municipal waste.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Invasive Alien Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> An example would be the water hyacinth, which decreases oxygen levels and impedes water flow.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Siltation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The accumulation of sediments from soil erosion in the lake, which reduces its depth and storage capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Over-exploitation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Excessive withdrawal, whether for domestic purposes, industrial use, or agricultural purposes, causes the lowering of the water table.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity loss<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 Habitat degradation: This puts pressure on native fish, aquatic plants, and migratory birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Change:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Increasing temperatures and fluctuating precipitation modify lake hydrology and ecosystem function.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Land Use:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Deforestation and unplanned urbanisation increase runoff, erosion, and pollution entering lakes, driven by non-sustainable land use cover.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">FAQs on Lakes in India<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"cfaq-wrapper\" data-multiple=\"0\"><div class=\"cfaq-item cfaq-open\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">1. What is a lake?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\"><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">A lake is a natural or artificial inland water body surrounded by land. It stores freshwater or saline water and supports water supply, irrigation, biodiversity, fisheries, and recreation.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">2. Which is the largest lake in India?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">Vembanad Lake (Kerala) is the largest lake in India by area and the country's longest lake.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">3. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">Wular Lake (Jammu &amp; Kashmir) is the largest freshwater lake in India.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">4. Which is the largest brackish water lake in India?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">Chilika Lake (Odisha) is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and Asia.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">5. Which is the highest lake in India?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim) is one of the highest lakes in India, located at an altitude of about 5,430 metres above sea level.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lakes in India: Lakes are land-locked water bodies of standing water which have a significant role in freshwater resources and ecological balance in India. Lakes serve different purposes, including drinking water, irrigation, groundwater recharge, flood moderation, fishery and biodiversity conservation facilities, recreation and tourism, according to the MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":14118,"template":"","subject":[45],"class_list":["post-14117","academic_content","type-academic_content","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","subject-geography"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/academic_content\/14117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/academic_content"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/academic_content"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject?post=14117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}