Manasbal calling

Considered to be Kashmir’s deepest lake, Manasbal is gasping for breath due to an unabated influx of pollution and silt.

Surrounded by mountains, Manasbal till a few decades ago possessed crystal clear waters. Heavy influx of sewage and silt from quarries gradually affected its water quality and flora and fauna. Though quarries were closed years ago, but not before dealing a death blow to the lake.

Fed by springs, Manasbal Lake is surrounded by human settlements. Runoff from agricultural land besides insecticides, pesticides from orchards are damaging the fragile eco-system of the lake. Having a catchment area of 11 sq. km, the lake is a major source of drinking water and supports irrigation needs of farmers and orchards.

The water body is home to several aquatic species. In absence of proper sewage and solid waste facilities, the lake has been marred by pollution. The problem is compounded due to heavy rush of visitors to the lake above its carrying capacity.
What must set alarm bells ringing is a recent scientific study that has found traces of heavy metals and microplastics in the lake.

The study Co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in a freshwater lake system in Indian Himalaya: Distribution and influencing factors has been conducted by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Biodiversity and Paleobiology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India Institute for Geosciences, Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse Germany.

The study states that Manasbal Lake has been subjected to heavy metal pollution due to unplanned human settlements in its catchment area.  It states that levels of heavy metals suggest that Manasbal sediments exhibit significant contamination with Pb and moderate contamination with Cu and Co, particularly in proximity to areas with frequent human activities.

The researchers found that microplastics were found in all surface sediment and water samples in the lake. The highest concentration was detected in the lake’s inflow areas.

“We observed that grain size and land use are the primary determinants of the distribution and abundance of microplastics in the Manasbal Lake. Furthermore, the lake's surface sediments exhibit significant contamination with Lead (Pb) and moderate contamination with Copper (Cu) and Cobalt (Co), especially in areas near the inlet. Additionally, we explored the potential function of microplastic as a vector for heavy metals,” they state.

It states that the maximum microplastic abundances were observed in the eastern part of Manasbal Lake. The study states that the plastics originating from daily routines like cosmetic microbeads, laundry fibres are introduced into sewage networks and subsequently reach the lake from the catchment area via Laar Kul. Surface runoff containing microplastics from diverse household waste sources are also transported into aquatic system
The SEM-EDS of the study analysis confirms presence of toxic heavy metals, like Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn), Nicket (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Copper (Cu), on the microplastic surface.

“The results on microplastics and associated chemical contaminants from the freshwater ecosystems are crucial for evaluating the scope of their ecotoxic impacts. This knowledge would help in the formulation of environmental regulations to manage these pollutants in freshwater systems effectively and to implement appropriate restoration measures,” the study states.

Manasbal Lake bears a higher pollution load of microplastics compared to other Himalayan lakes— Rewalsar, Renuka, Anchar, Pangong, and Tso Kar. Researchers warn that the interaction and binding of toxic pollutants on the microplastic surface poses a significant risk to the biota dwelling in Manasbal. “Ingesting heavy metal-laden microplastics can contribute to the trophic transfer of these metals up the food chain. The prolonged consumption of these highly polluted particles could potentially result in chronic toxicity effects due to biomagnification.”

Contamination by heavy metals and plastics is emerging as one of the major ecological problems around the globe. We have to understand that damage to the environment be it glaciers, forests or water bodies is irreversible.  We can make pools but not lakes; we can build towering skyscrapers but not mountains!

If the government has failed to conserve our natural resources, why can’t people take the initiative? We have example of Srinagar’s twin lakes Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes where a voluntary environmental group Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation has been undertaking its dredging and cleaning for the past several years. Conservation of the environment must have peoples’ participation.

There is a need for comprehensive scientific initiatives to restore the glory of our water bodies including Manasbal. It is high time to plug the drains and construct sewage treatment plants based on modern technology to prevent sewage and silt influx into the lake.
These lakes are our lifelines. It is high time to protect water bodies as our survival depends on these bounties of nature.

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir