Why Has Dal Lake Turned Green? Locals Question, Experts Cite Ecological Factors

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) By Mohammed Mudassir Ali Dar

Srinagar- The sudden green appearance of large patches of Dal Lake has triggered debate among residents, lake dwellers and experts, with locals raising concerns over possible interference while officials attribute the change to ecological factors such as reduced inflow, rising temperatures and increased nutrient load.

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Several residents living around the lake said they had never witnessed such a phenomenon before and demanded clarity from authorities managing the lake.

A Dal dweller said the green colour had appeared recently and many people dependent on the lake were worried about its impact.

“I am 55 years old and have lived my entire life around Dal Lake. I am seeing this kind of green colour for the first time,” he said.

Some residents alleged that authorities may have carried out interventions in the lake ahead of visits by dignitaries, claiming the change might have been aimed at improving the lake's appearance from aerial views. They also criticised certain policies related to lake management, including the use of mechanical weed harvesters.

According to them, large harvesting machines brought in to remove weeds may have disrupted the lake's natural ecosystem.

“Machines were brought to remove vegetation, but they have also affected the lake's natural biomass and aquatic life,” one resident said.

Lake dwellers also pointed to structural interventions and reduced water movement in certain areas, saying bridges and other developments have slowed circulation in parts of the lake.

However, officials and environmental experts say the colour change is primarily linked to environmental and climatic conditions affecting the lake.

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Dr Muzamil Ahmad Rafique, Superintending Engineer at the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), said Dal Lake behaves differently from a flowing river and is sensitive to changes in water circulation.

“Dal Lake is unlike the Jhelum river. It is a relatively stagnant water body that depends on inflow and outflow channels. When inflow reduces and water remains stagnant, nutrients accumulate and colour changes can occur,” he said.

He said reduced precipitation and declining discharge from key inflow channels have significantly affected the lake this year.

“Earlier the discharge from major inflow channels was much higher. This year there has been a considerable reduction in inflow due to lower precipitation and climatic factors,” Rafique said.

He also pointed to nutrient buildup from surrounding areas, including agricultural runoff, household waste and other pollutants entering the lake.

“When nutrient load increases in stagnant water, blooms can appear on the surface, which changes the colour of the lake,” he said.

Officials said the green layer is mainly concentrated on the surface of the lake and is expected to reduce once water inflow improves.

Authorities plan to flush the lake by opening outflow channels when inflow increases, a process that helps remove stagnant water and improve circulation.

Read Also Video: Why Has Dal Lake Turned Green? As Dal Lake Turns Green, Kashmir Faces Hard Questions

Despite the reassurances, lake dwellers say they want greater transparency and involvement in conservation efforts.

“We live here and depend on the lake. Authorities should take local stakeholders on board when making decisions about Dal Lake,” one resident said.

Dal Lake, a major tourist attraction and a lifeline for thousands of families, has been under ecological pressure for decades due to pollution, encroachments and shrinking water circulation, making its conservation a continuing challenge for authorities.

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