Crisis of Disappearing Lakes: Causes, Impacts & Conservation Strategies in India

2 May 2026

Rapid urbanization, pollution, and weak governance have triggered widespread lake degradation, posing serious threats to water security, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Global Significance of Lakes

Surface Area vs. Water Supply: While lakes cover only 4% of the Earth’s land surface, they are incredibly vital as they provide 90% of the world’s fresh surface water.
Impact of Loss: The disappearance of lakes is not just an environmental issue; it leads to the degradation of the society and economy as well.

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What is a Lake?

A lake is a large inland body of standing water, surrounded by land, which may be either freshwater or saline and is not directly part of the ocean.

Importance of Lakes

Groundwater Recharge: Lakes act as a “sponge.” Rainwater collects in them and eventually seeps down to recharge groundwater, which is then used by various sectors.
Flood Regulation: They serve as a buffer against floods. The source notes that cities like Bengaluru and Chennai suffered heavy flood damage specifically because their natural water bodies were destroyed.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Lakes like Chilika Lake serve as critical habitats for various species of birds and aquatic life.
Livelihoods and Economy: They support fishing communities and tourism-dependent economies, such as those surrounding Dal Lake in Kashmir.
Cultural and Spiritual Value: Many lakes are tied to traditions and rituals, such as Pushkar Lake near Ajmer.

Primary Causes of Lake Disappearance

Pollution and Eutrophication: Runoff from agricultural fields carries fertilizers (nutrients) into lakes. This triggers algal blooms (excessive algae growth), which cover the water surface, block oxygen, and suffocate aquatic life.
Encroachment and Urbanization: Real estate developers often dry up lakes to build “Lake View Apartments,” effectively destroying the natural asset they are marketing.
Illegal Mining: Sand mining within lake beds destroys their natural water-holding capacity.

Legal and Governance Framework for Conservation of Lakes

Jurisdiction: In India, water is a State Subject, meaning state governments are primarily responsible for their protection.

About Public Trust Doctrine

The Public Trust Doctrine is a legal principle that holds that certain natural resources like water bodies, forests, and air are held by the State in trust for the public, and must be protected and used for the benefit of all citizens rather than for private ownership or exploitation.

Existing Regulations: Governance is guided by the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Regulatory Gaps: Current rules often apply only to notified wetlands or Ramsar sites, frequently leaving out lakes located within forest areas.
The Public Trust Doctrine: Reaffirmed in the case of ‘Swachh Association vs. State of Maharashtra (2025)’, this doctrine states that the government is merely a trustee of water bodies, while the true owners are the citizens. This doctrine applies to artificial lakes as well.

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Way Forward

National Apex Body: The source suggests creating a high-level body for lakes, similar to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Comprehensive Law: There is a need for a uniform, comprehensive law for lake protection that all states must follow.
Scientific Monitoring: Utilizing modern technology like drones and scientific mapping to identify and prevent illegal encroachment in real-time.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Implementing a policy where industries and factories are strictly prohibited from releasing untreated waste into lakes.