Understanding Kashmir Lakes: Water Quality, Biodiversity, Deterioration, Encroachment, and Vision for their Protection and Restoration.

Kashmir valley is fondly known as the “Heaven on Earth”. It is a beautiful valley that can fascinate anyone. In addition to its fascinating mountains and magnificent rivers and meadows, the lakes in Kashmir are famous all over the world for their beauty and fresh water. Wullar, Dal, Nigeen, Anchar and Manasbal are some of the more famous lakes in Kashmir valley. These lakes are very vital for the sustenance of life in this part of the world. These lakes are rich sources of fresh water for domestic and agricultural purposes in addition to being habitats for a wide diversity of flora and fauna. During the last three decades, all these lakes have deteriorated due to pollution and large-scale encroachment in their surroundings. Much research work has been carried out on the growing state of deterioration of these lakes. The present state of deterioration and the ecological significance of these lakes tempted us to write a book on these lakes. This book provides a glimpse into the different lakes of Kashmir valley along with a discussion of their water quality, diversity of flora and fauna, deterioration, state of encroachment, and the vision for their protection and restoration.