The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has sounded an urgent alarm over the rapidly deteriorating condition of Anchar Lake, warning that one of Kashmir’s important urban water bodies is steadily losing its water surface and ecological character.
As per a statement issued, historical records show that Anchar Lake covered around 19.54 sq km in 1893–94. Studies have subsequently documented a dramatic reduction in its extent, with one published assessment recording the lake at about 6.8 sq km, of which approximately 3.6 sq km had already become marshland.
“We are not watching a lake shrink. We are watching a lake disappear,” said Manzoor Wangnoo, Chairman, NLCO, while drawing public and government attention to the crisis.
NLCO said the figures should not be viewed merely as statistics. They represent the gradual loss of a living water ecosystem, traditional livelihoods, biodiversity, water connectivity and an important part of Kashmir’s natural heritage.
‘’Anchar is also an important link in Kashmir’s historic water network. It is connected towards the south with Khushalsar and Gilsar and, through Nallah Amir Khan, with the Dal-Nigeen water system, while its drainage ultimately connects towards the Jhelum system. Scientific literature has documented these hydrological connections and the lake’s role within the wider basin, ‘’ wangnoo added.
Wangnoo further added “That the degradation of Anchar has been associated with multiple pressures, including encroachment, sewage, solid waste, pollution, siltation and unplanned development. Anchar cannot remain institutionally unattended
“Anchar needs one empowered and accountable authority with a clear mandate, dedicated resources, a scientific restoration plan and a defined timeline. We cannot continue with fragmented responsibility while the lake continues to deteriorate,” Wangnoo said.
NLCO recalled that it had consistently advocated for Gilsar and Khushalsar to receive focused institutional attention and be brought under the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA).
The organisation said that restoration work at Gilsar and Khushalsar has demonstrated what can happen when community participation, administrative support, machinery and sustained intervention come together.
“We have shown through Mission Ehsaas that restoration is possible when there is collective will and administrative support. Anchar now needs the same seriousness of purpose, at a much larger scale, backed by scientific planning and government resources,” Wangnoo said.
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