Khush-hal Sar Lake

Khush-hal Sar Lake was once famous for its mesmerizing beauty. Besides being a preferred place for recreation, the Lake had a tremendous economic potential. The local inhabitants used the Lake for commercial purposes. Its nilimbo ( nadroo) was very famous and fetched more money than those of other lakes of the Valley. According to an estimate, the lake generated nadroos amounting to more than Rs. 25 lacs per month.

"Such fertile is the soil beneath the water that it still generates nadroos at few places," said Sajad Husain Khan.

The other distinct specialty of the Lake was its delicious fish, which the locals say was very tasty.

"The fish of the lake was much in demand even up to the early 1990's and was often presented as a gift on special occasions," said Joo.

Around 250 households living on the river side were dependent on the lake for their livelihood. Nadroos were their only source of income. But, now bulk of the residents are working as mechanics in workshops and few sell vegetables and other items on carts to earn their living .

"Owing to the depression, some of them, particularly those who are in their youth, have become addicted to intoxicants. Cigarette smoking is common for them," said a resident.

The Lake was also a bird sanctuary, but now with most of the lake filled up and rest metamorphosed into a gutter, birds perhaps no longer feel safe to come here.

"Lot of birds of various types used to come here but now we can hardly get a glimpse of those birds," said a local resident adding that the birds have been rendered homeless.

There were around fifteen springs spewing out from the Lake, but today most of them have dried up. "I had made a request to our sitting MP to arrange some funds through MPLAD for the restoration of springs, and thankfully he has provided Rs. 5 lacs for the same and I hope at least the springs can be restored now," said Ghulam Mohammad, ex-deputy Mayor.

The lakes of Kashmir are an integral part of its rich heritage, but if nothing is done to preserve them they will soon be buried in the pages of history, the only place future generations will be able to experience them. --Syed A Safvi

Gil Sar Lake

Finding history....wait few days

images Of Gill Sar Lae Showing the current status of the lake

This page has been made in hurry as a number of students are in need of the data. i will complete it within some day.... Dr  Fayaz Baba