518 lakes out of 697 in J&K either disappeared or receding: CAG
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Transparency, accountability & RTI· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reported that 518 out of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or shrunk due to ecosystem degradation and anthropogenic pressures.
Background
The CAG report states that 315 lakes in J&K have completely vanished, while 203 have experienced a decrease in water area. The J&K Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department failed to conduct a comprehensive survey of these lakes.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyComptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is the supreme audit institution of India
- Fact518 out of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared or receded
- Fact315 lakes in J&K have completely vanished according to the CAG report
- PlaceJ&K Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department is the nodal body for lake surveys in the region
For Mains
Q. Discuss the impact of anthropogenic pressures and lack of institutional oversight on the preservation of inland water bodies in ecologically sensitive zones like Jammu and Kashmir.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional oversight: Failure of the J&K Ecology Department to conduct comprehensive surveys hinders data-driven conservation
- Anthropogenic pressure: Encroachment and unregulated usage leading to irreversible loss of 315 lake bodies
- Climate insecurity: Shrinking water bodies exacerbating regional ecosystem degradation and water scarcity
Keywords: Anthropogenic pressure · Ecosystem degradation · Institutional oversight · Climate insecurity · Inland water bodies
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