Posted on September 22, 2025
Mandi : Rewalsar Lake, a centuries-old sacred waterbody revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs, is facing a grave ecological crisis. Once known for its clear blue-green waters, the lake has now turned muddy and yellow following heavy rains and landslides, raising alarm over its survival.
From Blue-Green to Muddy Yellow
The lake’s colour has dramatically changed in recent weeks. What was once a serene blue and green waterbody has become turbid and yellow. Environmental groups say this is a visible sign of massive silt deposition and suspended debris, threatening the ecological balance of the lake.
Rapid Decline in Depth
Surveys conducted over the years reveal a steady and alarming reduction in depth. The lake, which was once measured at 80 to 90 feet deep, now holds just 14 to 15 feet of water at its centre and barely 3 to 4 feet along its edges. On average, it is losing about half a foot of depth every year.
Former Municipal Council President Labh Singh Thakur, who led a recent community survey, called the findings “shocking and disturbing.” He said the lake’s decline is no longer seasonal but a year-round threat.
Causes Behind the Crisis
• Landslides: Heavy monsoon rains have triggered frequent landslides on surrounding slopes, carrying tons of soil, debris, and uprooted trees into the lake.
• Drainage Failure: Stormwater drains designed to carry runoff from the catchment area clog with mud and collapse under pressure, pushing untreated water directly into the lake.
• Urban Pressure: Wastewater and runoff from the nearby township continue to seep into the waterbody, adding to pollution.
• Ecological Imbalance: Excessive organic waste has reduced oxygen levels in the lake, further degrading water quality.
Local Voices of Alarm
The lake’s deteriorating state has prompted strong reactions from activists, lawyers, and local representatives.
• Advocate Devansh Khanna of the Himachal Pradesh High Court said the situation reflects “a collective ecological failure that demands urgent government intervention.”
• Naresh Sharma, Director of environmental group DAG, warned: “At this rate, Rewalsar could turn into a plain ground within 15 to 20 years. The lake loses nearly half a foot of depth every year, and no large-scale dredging has yet been done.”
• Ajay Sharma, President of DAG, added that “tons of soil and concrete enter the lake each monsoon, but the removal never matches the inflow. Scientific de-siltation is urgently required.”
• Municipal Vice President Kashmir Singh Yadav and nominated councillor Laxmi Datt Sharma urged the state government to compensate the municipal body for damages caused during the monsoon and sanction funds for urgent restoration.
Inadequate Protection Efforts
Although funds have been allocated for conservation and sewerage lines are being laid to divert urban waste, residents say these efforts are insufficient. Larger drains constructed around the lake routinely fail during heavy rainfall, and despite repeated surveys and appeals, no major scientific de-siltation drive has yet been undertaken.
A Sacred Heritage at Risk
Rewalsar Lake is not only an ecological treasure but also a cultural and spiritual landmark. Surrounded by temples, monasteries, and a gurudwara, it attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad. The prospect of the lake losing its clarity, depth, and life has shaken local communities, who see it as the soul of the region.
“If the lake dies, it is not just an environmental loss but the erasure of centuries of faith and identity,” said a local resident.
The Road Ahead
Environmental experts and civic leaders agree that immediate, science-based measures are essential. Key demands include large-scale dredging of silt, strengthening of drainage systems, afforestation of catchment slopes, continuous monitoring of water quality, and strict regulation of urban discharge.
Unless decisive action is taken soon, Rewalsar Lake — once a jewel of natural beauty and faith — may become a tragic reminder of neglect, its waters reduced to memory rather than a living heritage.
