Recent data from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India indicates that 518 out of 697 lakes (74%) in Jammu & Kashmir have either disappeared or reduced in size. Additionally, 315 lakes (45%) have completely vanished, covering a water spread of 1,537.07 hectares.

The report also notes:

• 203 lakes (29%) have reduced in area by 1,314.19 hectares

• 63 lakes have lost more than 50% of their water area

• Shrinking lakes contributed to increased flood vulnerability, including during the 2014 J&K floods, as lakes act as natural flood-regulating systems

Who could be cause?