Jammu Tawi, April 8 -- The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has reported that 315 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared since 1967, indicating a decline in water bodies across the region.
According to the CAG report, 697 lakes were recorded in 1967, of which 315 are no longer traceable. These covered over 1,500 hectares. The report, which reviewed lake management between 2017-18 and 2021-22, also noted that 203 lakes have reduced in size, losing more than 1,300 hectares of area.
In total, 518 lakes have recorded a decline in water spread, affecting the extent of these water bodies and associated systems.
The audit said 63 lakes have lost more than half of their original area, placing them at risk of disappearance.
It noted...