Ganderbal, April 11: Shikarawallas at the tranquil Manasbal lake in Central Kashmir’s Ganderabal district appealed to the authorities for swift and sustained action to restore the water body’s ecological health and unlock its untapped tourism potential. The lake—often dubbed Kashmir’s hidden gem—has seen a decline in recent years due to neglect and pollution.
Local boatmen, whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the lake have urged the government to prioritise its restoration. “This lake used to be as beautiful as Dal and Nigeen. Today, the weeds are choking it and the number of tourists has dropped,” said Bashir Ahmad, a shikarawalla with over 25 years of experience.
Another boatman, Ghulam Rasool, said: “We don’t want charity—we want the lake to live again. Clean it, promote it, and people will come. That’s all we ask.” He made a fervent appeal to the government, especially tourism department to restore the lake to its original form so that tourists visit the spot and livelihood of scores of boatmen is restored again.
Recalling the past glory of the lake, Ghulam Moihudin, a local resident said that a large number of foreign and domestic tourists used to visit the lake till 2015. “Over the past one decade, the footfall the tourists declined drastically as pollution marred the lake. Livelihood of hundreds of boatmen and vendors was associated with the lake. That too is over now,” he said. “Boatmen shifted to other businesses and many of them are struggling to survive at present.” He said no serious efforts were made to restore the lake to its pristine form. “If restored, lake can become a major tourist attract an and also a source of livelihood to many boatmen and vendors,” he said.
Officials from the Tourism department acknowledged the concerns and affirmed their commitment to preserving the lake. “We are actively working on a conservation and promotion plan for Manasbal Lake. It holds both ecological and tourism value, and we intend to revive it in a sustainable manner,” said an official.
Manasbal, believed to be one of the deepest lakes in Kashmir, is not only a scenic retreat but also a historical and ecological treasure. Locals and stakeholders are optimistic that with proper attention, the lake can be restored to its former glory, becoming a vibrant hub for nature lovers and a source of income for the community. “We have seen what focused efforts did for other tourist spots. Why not here?” questioned Adil Khan, a nearby tea stall owner. “Manasbal deserves that chance too.” Residents now hope the government’s assurances translate into tangible, so that the lake thrives again with tourists.
