Himachal Pradesh
Panoramic view of Chandertal Lake in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, WWF-India is focusing its conservation efforts on Chandertal and Nako Lakes.
Chandertal
This freshwater wetland, also called ‘the lake of the moon’ because of its crescent shape is located at an altitude of 4290 m asl, near the Kunjam Pass which connects the Great Himalayan and Pir Panjal Ranges. It has been designated as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention, due to the presence of rare plants and a wide variety of unique animal species. The problems that Chandertal is facing are:
- Dumping of garbage and sewage in the pastures near the lake by visitors, during the tourist season
- High pressure on pasturelands and overgrazing by livestock owned by shepherds
- Unchecked number of vehicles allowed in the area
- Unmanaged and unregulated tourist activities
- Tourist camps on both sides of the lake during summer months
Pilgrims at the Manimahesh Lake in Himachal Pradesh, considered very religious
Nako
This oval-shaped lake is found at an altitude of 3,604 m asl, in the arid zone of Himachal Pradesh also called a ‘cold desert’, in the northwestern Himalayas. The dry hill soil is thick and fertile and the lake thus supports a wide array of floral, as well as, faunal species, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region. However, Nako is facing the following threats:
- Solid waste left behind by visitors and tourists, particularly non biodegradable materials
- Huge construction activities on all sides of the lake
- Sewage from the Nako village entering into the lake
