Renuka Lake, Location, Biodiversity, Religious Significance

Renuka Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, located in the lower Himalayas. Named after Renuka, the mother of Parashurama, the lake is known for its distinctive shape, rich biodiversity and religious significance. It was designated a Ramsar Site in 2005.

About Renuka Lake

• Renuka Lake lies in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, about 37 km from Nahan and 60 km from Paonta Sahib.
• The lake is situated at about 672 metres above sea level and has a circumference of approximately 3.2 km.
• Renuka is the largest natural freshwater lake in Himachal Pradesh.
• Renuka Lake is an oxbow lake formed from an abandoned course of the Giri River. It was created when the river changed its course, leaving a curved section of its former channel separated from the main river. The Giri River is a tributary of the Yamuna.
• Its present water supply comes mainly from subterranean freshwater springs and small rain-fed streams.
• The lake’s outline resembles a reclining woman, traditionally identified with Renuka, giving the lake its name.
• Renuka Lake is associated with Goddess Renuka, wife of Sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama, giving the wetland considerable religious importance.
• The surrounding forests support diverse flora and fauna, including sal, shisham, kachnar and amaltas, along with sambar, barking deer, goral, Himalayan black bear and langur.
• The wetland supports more than 100 bird species, including resident and migratory waterbirds.
• Renuka is one of the three Ramsar Sites in Himachal Pradesh, along with Chandra Taal and Pong Dam Lake. It was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on 8 November 2005. 
• With a Ramsar area of 20 hectares, Renuka Wetland is India’s smallest Ramsar Site by area.
• The lake lies within the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects its surrounding ecosystem.
• Renukaji Temple stands on the bank of the lake, making it an important pilgrimage site.
• The annual Renukaji Fair is held around Prabodhini Ekadashi, generally in November, and attracts pilgrims and visitors.
• Boating is permitted at the lake, while fishing is strictly prohibited because of its sacred status and protected-wetland setting.
• Siltation, plastic and tourist litter, invasive aquatic weeds and eutrophication from surrounding runoff pose major threats to the lake’s ecological health.

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