Sambhar Lake Hydrology And Conservation
#GS-3 #Environment #Environmental Pollution & Degradation #Conservation #Geography #Current Events #Biodiversity #Sustainable Development
Why in News
- Recent satellite analyses covering the period from 1984 to 2023 reveal that Sambhar Lake relies heavily on seasonal rainfall.
- Water levels reach their highest point during late summer and decrease significantly in the dry season.
About Sambhar Lake
- Sambhar Lake serves as India's largest saline wetland and stands as a vital inland salt lake.
- This critical wetland ecosystem supports migratory birds, resident birds, salt production, and local livelihoods.
Location and Geography
- The lake sits in the Jaipur and Nagaur districts of Rajasthan.
- It is situated near the Aravalli hills inside an arid landscape.
River Systems
- The water supply comes from six different rivers.
- These feeding rivers are Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh.
Ramsar Status
- International ecological importance led to its designation as a Ramsar site.
- This official recognition was granted in 1990.
Bird Habitat
- Thousands of migratory birds visit the lake between November and February, especially flamingos.
- Monsoon rains enable the lake to support various bird species like coots, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks.
Salt Production
- Sambhar Lake acts as a major source of salt production for Rajasthan.
- It provides essential economic support for local livelihoods connected to salt harvesting.
Environmental Concerns and Conservation
- Satellite data from 2022 to 2023 show that the natural lake surface shrank while industrial salt pans expanded.
- This expansion places heavy pressure on the natural wetland ecosystem.
- Scientists emphasize the urgent need to separate industrial salt pans from the natural saline wetland.
- This separation protects the ecological balance and prevents long-term environmental degradation.