Pollution, unregulated construction and climate change threaten Dal Lake's deteriorating ecosystem
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Impact of urban encroachment and climate change on high-altitude lake ecosystems: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
Dal Lake in Srinagar faces an ecological crisis due to untreated sewage, plastic waste, and unregulated construction, threatening the local ecosystem and livelihoods.
Background
Dal Lake in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir, is experiencing ecosystem deterioration from untreated sewage and plastic waste. Land encroachment and rising temperatures are actively reducing the lake's surface area.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceDal Lake is located in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir
- FactPollution sources include untreated sewage, plastic waste, and weed growth
- EnvironmentClimate change factors include rising temperatures and land encroachment reducing surface area
Prelims practice question
Which of the following factors is contributing to the reduction of Dal Lake's surface area?
- (a)Decreasing rainfall
- (b)Rising temperatures
- (c)Subterranean mining
- (d)Industrial desalination
Show answer
Answer: (b) Rising temperatures — The note states that rising temperatures and land encroachment are actively reducing the lake's surface area.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological and socio-economic impacts of urban encroachment and pollution on high-altitude lake ecosystems like Dal Lake.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory gap: Lack of enforcement against unregulated construction and land encroachment in sensitive zones
- Waste management failure: Inadequate infrastructure for treating sewage and managing plastic waste in Himalayan regions
Keywords: Ecological degradation · Urban encroachment · Waste management · Climate vulnerability · Socio-economic impact
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.