‘Lake Man of India’ plans revival of Dharamsala Dal Lake

Known as the “Lake Man of India”, Anand Malligavad recently visited Dal Lake in Dharamsala on the invitation of the local Hotel and Restaurant Association, which is concerned about the lake’s rapid drying. This once-vibrant water body, significant to both tourism and local religious traditions, has been losing water, affecting its ecosystem and leading to death of fish.

Malligavad conducted an assessment of Dal Lake and its surrounding catchment areas. He found that about 30 per cent of the lake’s area had a significant leakage issue, while the remaining 70 per cent was relatively unaffected. Based on his preliminary analysis, he recommended dividing the affected section from the unaffected area to prevent the lake from drying out entirely. Additionally, he emphasised the need to enhance the water channels and prevent soil erosion in the surrounding hillsides.

Malligavad outlined a plan to draft a detailed proposal focused on restoring the lake. He also underscored the importance of fostering a deeper connection between the local community and the lake, recognising its spiritual significance. According to Malligavad, if the lake is valued as a local heritage site, residents will be more inclined to actively participate in its preservation.

Ashwani Bamba, president of the Kangra Hotel and Restaurant Association, highlighted the tourism industry’s concern over the lake’s deteriorating condition. He noted that Dal Lake is a major attraction in the region, drawing tourists and pilgrims alike, and praised Malligavad’s expertise in lake restoration.

Last year, the Jal Shakti Department attempted to address the lake’s leakage by applying bentonite, a clay material also known as “drillers’ mud”, which swells upon contact with water to seal gaps between soil particles. While the department initially reported success in halting leakage, the lake once again lost water, indicating a need for a more sustainable approach.

Dal Lake, situated at an altitude of 1,775 meters and surrounded by deodar trees, is a natural water body vital to the local ecosystem. The lake spans approximately 1.22 hectares (12,200 square meters) according to revenue records, but persistent silting from the surrounding hills has filled half of its area, reducing the depth from 10 feet to just a few feet and converting parts of the lakebed into grassland. This silt buildup has further strained the lake’s ability to retain water, aggravating its vulnerability to leaks.

In 2011, the Public Works Department (PWD) removed silt from the lakebed to increase its depth, but this intervention compromised the lake’s retention capacity. Malligavad’s strategy to repair the leakage using locally sourced natural materials aims to avoid repeating these past mistakes, promoting a more environmentally compatible and lasting solution.

Environmental awareness campaigns have also gained traction among locals, with students from the nearby Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) school initiating efforts to save fish in the lake as water levels dropped. Malligavad’s involvement brings hope for a holistic revival, combining technical expertise with community engagement to address the lake’s environmental and cultural importance.

The local community now awaits the lake’s potential revitalisation under Malligavad’s guidance, hopeful that his proven approach to lake restoration can help reclaim Dal Lake’s ecological balance and restore it as a treasured landmark.