Two sides of Dal Lake— between splendour and survival

Dal Lake, the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir,’ is admired for its beauty, yet life on its waters tells another story. Tourists see serenity, but residents face daily struggles.

The lake reflects Kashmiri craftsmanship through its houseboats, with carved cedar and teak woodwork, colourful carpets, and traditional furnishings that showcase culture and tradition. Alongside this beauty, mornings bring activity as the locals row shikaras to floating vegetable and fruit markets, vital for the community’s daily needs.

But beneath the charm lies neglect as well. Inner neighbourhoods like Kand Mohalla lack proper roads and bridges, forcing residents, including students, to depend on shikaras. Municipal services also fail these areas — while tourist spots are cleaned, the inner sections are ignored. Waste and sewage flow directly into the lake polluting its waters, and making navigation difficult

Residents complain of scarce parking, lack of dustbins, and no drainage. Pollution poses risks not just to health — with threats like malaria and typhoid — but also to aquatic life. Electricity wires hang dangerously, and rehabilitation programmes, once promised, have been abandoned.

Local students are concerned about the future of Dal Lake. They fear that without urgent action, rising pollution will damage both livelihoods and tourism.

Dal Lake remains an iconic symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty, but its inner neighbourhoods reveal a story of neglect and hardship. While tourists enjoy the serenity of the lake, those living within its waters continue to struggle for basic services and recognition.

Mehendi Mehraj, Srinagar