Key lakes such as Khushal Sar were found to be undergoing land-use changes, while Anchar Lake was noted to be steadily shrinking and deteriorating | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

 Satellite analysis using Google Earth Pro, backed by official data, has revealed a worrying decline in Jammu and Kashmir’s lakes, with several water bodies disappearing, shrinking drastically or undergoing severe ecological degradation.

An audit report on the conservation and management of lakes for the period ending March 2022 found that at least seven lakes were no longer visible or had nearly dried up when their geo-coordinates were analysed on Google Earth Pro across multiple timelines.

The satellite findings were corroborated by data from the Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing Department (EE&RSD), which had earlier identified 11 lakes as having disappeared. Field verification conducted in November 2022 confirmed that at least four of these had completely dried up, with former lakebeds now covered by vegetation, plantations and even roads.

The audit also analysed broader trends across sampled lakes and found a significant number witnessing sharp reduction in area, in some cases exceeding 50 per cent. The highlights a pattern of decline, with multiple lakes showing decreased water spread and others falling into the category of degraded or vanished water bodies.

Key lakes such as Khushal Sar were found to be undergoing land-use changes, while Anchar Lake was noted to be steadily shrinking and deteriorating.

The report points to sustained encroachments and land conversions between 2014 and 2020, clearly visible in satellite imagery. Areas once occupied by water bodies have been overtaken by weeds, plantations and infrastructure development, indicating a gradual but consistent loss of aquatic ecosystems.

Serious concerns

The findings raise serious concerns over weak enforcement of environmental safeguards and lack of effective monitoring. 

Experts warn that continued degradation of lakes could have long-term consequences for groundwater recharge, flood regulation and biodiversity in the Kashmir Valley.

 “Although Development Authorities were established for development of areas of five out of six detailed-checked Lakes, there were no clear directions and specific mandate with any of these authorities for Conservation and Management of Lakes”, the audit notes.

With both satellite evidence and official data pointing in the same direction, the report underlines a deepening ecological crisis in the region’s fragile wetland network.

Published on April 9, 2026