Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake Latest News

Recently, it was observed that the Manasbal Lake is on the path of ecological recovery with the return of migratory birds. 

About Manasbal Lake

• Location: It is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• The lake lies at an altitude of about 1,585-1,600 metres in the Jhelum Valley.
• It is considered the deepest freshwater lake in India with a depth of about 13 metres (43 ft).
• The name is derived from Lake Manasarovar.
• Surroundings: It is surrounded by Baladar mountains, Karewa plateau in the north and Ahtung hills in the south used for limestone extraction.
• Water Source: It is being fed mainly by precipitation and over 1,200 springs, with outflow regulated into the Jhelum River.
• Physical Characteristics: The lake is monomictic with thermal stratification from March to November, thermocline depth of 9 metres and surface water temperature ranging from 6°C in winter to 27.5°C in summer.
• History: The Mughal garden Jaroka Bagh built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake, while nearby ruins of a 17th century fort and an ancient temple (800-900 AD).
• Flora: The lake hosts macrophytes (emerged, submerged, floating) and phytoplankton, with plankton biomass.
• Fauna: It supports zooplankton, benthos and fish species such as Schizothorax niger, S. esocinus, Cyprinus carpio and Neomacheilus latius, contributing to local fisheries and economy.

Source: TH

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