Kashmir’s Mansbal Lake Revives as Migratory Birds Return After Restoration

Manasbal Lake, the deepest freshwater lake in India, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is showing signs of ecological recovery with the return of migratory birds. The lake, which is 43 feet deep and spans 3.5 km in length and 1.5 km in width, has seen a noticeable increase in bird activity between December 2025 and January 2026, bringing cheer to local residents.

“The return of migratory birds prompted the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) to hold a bird watching festival in the winter. Many rare species were sighted by the birdwatchers,” said Chief Executive Officer of the WMDA Ahsanul Haq Chishti. According to official data, the lake is home to more than 46 species of birds from 23 families, including the Mallard, White Headed Duck, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Collared Dove, Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Golden Eagle, Grey Backed Shrike, and Tickell’s Thrush.

Restoration efforts have played a key role in the lake’s revival. “Accumulated weeds on about 7,202.50 cubic meters were removed from the lake surface. The lake with clear waters and long strips of water channels is rejuvenating,” said Mr. Chishti. Dredging over an area of around 70,000 square feet has helped restore freshness, clear channels, and maintain the lake’s depth. “Weeding operations managed to control the excessive growth of aquatic vegetation that had severely impacted water circulation and biodiversity of the lake,” he added.

Bilal Nasir Zargar, a wildlife photographer from Mansbal, noted that about five years ago, a dip in the lake’s water level led to fewer migratory birds stopping by. “However, I have again started spotting migratory birds like Horned Grebe and Long-Eared Owl, especially last winter. In the last two years, water quality has improved. I expect more migratory birds to flock. The lake, however, needs attention on multiple aspects,” said Mr. Zargar, who has documented birds at the lake for 12 years.

The WMDA has also pushed for water budgeting to assess the lake’s carrying capacity, water volume currently being lifted for water supply schemes, natural outflows, and surplus available. The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority will carry out the budget. “The WMDA will install mechanised gates and gauge meters to measure water levels. The idea is to preserve the lake’s water ecosystem at a scientifically derived level to maintain its ecology,” said Mr. Chishti.

A three-pronged approach has been adopted to further improve water quality. A sewage treatment plant and an integrated solid waste management plant, spread over one acre of land, will treat waste before it enters the lake. The WMDA has also proposed shifting the villages of Kondabal, Yangoora, and Cheshma Manasbal of Safapora Tehsil Lar, for which land has been earmarked.

Officials said the Irrigation and Flood Department has been alerted about managing the Lar irrigation canal, a major source of effluents entering the lake. “Trash guards installed at junctions of overhead breaches of Lar canal prevent solid waste from entering the lake waters. A sanitation contract for collecting solid waste from the lake and its peripheral areas was started after two years of suspension, resulting in collection and disposal of solid waste across 6.44 lakh square meters. This has brought a significant change in the environment,” said Mr. Chishti.

The WMDA is working with locals as stakeholders in preserving the lake. Joint programmes like World Wetland Day, bird watching festivals, and sanitation drives with civil society groups, students, environmentalists, and local agencies are being organised.