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Anchar Lake

Anchar Lake

Jammu & Kashmir

State
Jammu & Kashmir
Type
Other

Anchar Lake is located in Soura, Srinagar district, connected to Dal Lake via the Amir Khan Nallah channel that passes through Gilsar and Khushal Sar; excess Dal Lake water is diverted into Anchar during flooding.

Anchar Lake is known for

connected to Dal Lake systemHanji boat-dwelling communityShallabugh Wetland water sourceurban wetland conservation challenge

A short history

The lake serves as a water source for the Shallabugh Wetland and is home to the Hanji (boat-dwelling) community. It was historically a popular tourist destination reached by shikara and houseboat from Dal Lake, but has suffered from pollution, encroachment, and illegal construction; drainage infrastructure installed in the 1990s has since clogged with waste and debris. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchar_Lake]

Why Anchar Lake matters

Anchar Lake illustrates both the ecological interconnection of Srinagar's lake system and the environmental pressures facing Kashmir's urban wetlands.

When to go

April to October

How to reach

Located in Soura, northern Srinagar, connected to Dal Lake via the Amir Khan Nallah channel.

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Vaishno Devi (Katra)

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