Degradation of Water Quality in Dal Lake: A Study on Land Use Changes & Land Cover Patterns

When we think of a city, the first images that often come to mind are towering concrete buildings, vertical or rooftop gardens, and bustling streets filled with noise. However, what is often overlooked is the true backbone of these urban landscapes: their ecosystems. 

Ecosystems are a fundamental part of life on Earth, providing essential services that regulate processes crucial for human survival. Unfortunately, with the relentless pace of urbanization and increasing human activities, these ecosystems have been subjected to immense pressure, leading to significant imbalances. As cities continue to expand, this imbalance only worsens, underscoring the urgent need to restore and preserve ecosystems for the survival of humankind. 

To understand the vital role ecosystems play, let us turn to the floating ecosystem of Dal Lake in Kashmir. Situated in the heart of Srinagar, Dal Lake is a freshwater lake spanning 18 square kilometers and unique for its high-altitude location. Often referred to as the “cradle of civilization of Kashmir,” Dal Lake is a living, breathing ecosystem where humans, biodiversity, and urban systems coexist in a delicate balance.

This lake is known as the cradle of civilization of Kashmir. It is also known as the floating ecosystem in which human, biodiversity, and urban systems are intertwined. The Dal Lake feeds off the city of Srinagar, and the city of Srinagar feeds off the Dal Lake. There is no other comparable high-altitude lake ecosystem like it.

By exploring the intricate relationship between Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar, we can better appreciate the indispensable role ecosystems play in sustaining urban life and the importance of protecting these natural systems for future generations.