Manasbal Lake

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 1

Central Kashmir’s Manasbal Lake is once again open for training drill. It’s a historic day after a gap of 33 years. NCC training activities of the naval wing are being revived at the lake.

Manasbal Lake

• Manasbal Lake is located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. 
• The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. 
• Lake is encircled by three villages viz., Jarokbal, Kondabal (also called Kiln place, is situated on the north-eastern side of the lake) and Ganderbal and is stated to be the deepest lake (at 13 m or 43 ft depth) in India.] 
• The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) at the periphery of the lake (blooms during July and August) adds to the beauty of the clear waters of the lake. 
• The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka, (meaning bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake. 
• The lake is a good place for bird watching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes”. 
• The root stocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people.