Dal Lake
Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is an urban lake, the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir, and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists and locals. It is integral to tourism and recreation in the Kashmir valley and is variously known as the "Lake of Flowers", "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
| Dal Lake | |
|---|---|
View of Dal lake and Char Chinar | |
Dal Lake Dal Lake | |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Coordinates | 34°07′N 74°52′E |
| Lake type | Warm monomictic |
| Primary inflows | Inflow Channel Telbal Nallah from Marsar lake −291.9 million cubic metres |
| Primary outflows | Regulated, two channels (Dal Gate and Nalla Amir) – 275.6 million cubic metres |
| Catchment area | 316 square kilometres (122 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | India |
| Max. length | 7.44 km (4.62 mi) |
| Max. width | 3.5 km (2.2 mi) |
| Surface area | 18–22 square kilometres (6.9–8.5 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 1.42 metres (4.7 ft) |
| Max. depth | 6 m (20 ft) |
| Water volume | 983 million cubic metres (34.7×109 cu ft) |
| Residence time | 22.16 days |
| Shore length1 | 15.5 km (9.6 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,583 m (5,194 ft) |
| Frozen | During severe winter |
| Islands | Char Chinar and Son Lank |
| Settlements | Hazratbal, Srinagar |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature can sometimes reach as low as −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nigeen (although Nigeen is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut Dal and Bod Dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rupa Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.
At present, the Dal and the Mughal gardens on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lake. Massive investments of approximately US$275 million (₹ 11 billion) are being made by the Government of India to restore the lake to its original splendour.