Top 10 Largest Freshwater Lake in India

India’s diverse landscape has a network of rivers spread across its vast expanse, forming a complex canal system. Among its water bodies, Wular Lake is the Largest Freshwater Lake in India, reflecting nature’s grandeur. At the other end of the spectrum is Pukode Lake, famous for its picturesque charm and serene environment, earning the distinction of being the smallest lake in the country. Together, these waterways encapsulate India’s rich natural heritage and attract visitors from all over the world. Check out more about freshwater lakes in India in the article below.

Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?

Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India. Wular Lake stands as a majestic gem situated in the heart of Bandipora district, within the beautiful expanse of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Spread over an impressive 200 square kilometers, this lake is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in Asia. Its grandeur is enhanced by its enormous dimensions, measuring approximately 24 kilometers in length and 10 kilometers in width.

Situated below the majestic Harmuk mountain range, the lake owes its existence to the Jhelum River, which is its primary source of replenishment. The picturesque ‘Zaina Lank’ is a small island at its centre, which adds to the charm of this natural wonder. Recognizing its ecological importance, Wular Lake was designated a Wetland of National Importance in 1986, marking it as a site of immense biological, hydrological, and socio-economic value.

Subsequently, in 1990, it gained international fame by being declared a Wetland of International Importance under the prestigious Ramsar Convention. This dual recognition underlines the imperative of concerted conservation efforts to ensure the protection of its rich biodiversity and sustainable management practices, thereby preserving the grandeur of Wular Lake for future generations.

Legacy of Wular Lake

Wular Lake, known as Mahapadmasar in ancient times and later as Ullola due to its high waves, stands as a timeless symbol of Kashmir’s natural heritage. Its name, possibly derived from the Kashmiri word ‘wul’ meaning gap or crack, reflects centuries of development and cultural significance. Designated as a Ramsar site, the lake has not been untouched by environmental challenges, including encroachment on its catchment areas. Yet, amid these concerns, Wular Lake remains an important ecosystem, with a rich diversity of fish species that sustains the livelihood of over 8,000 fishermen. Wular Lake embodies both the fragility and resilience of nature, symbolizing the delicate balance between human activity and ecological conservation in the Kashmir Valley.

Name the Top 10 Largest Freshwater Lakes in India

Here’s a list of the 10 largest freshwater lakes in India. These lakes are distributed across various states and union territories in India, with some being renowned for their ecological significance and natural beauty.

• Wular Lake
• Loktak Lake
• Nagarjuna Sagar Lake
• Sardar Sarovar Lake
• Govind Sagar Lake
• Kolleru Lake
• Indira Sagar Lake
• Shivaji Sagar Lake
• Dhebar Lake
• Kanwar Lake

List of Freshwater Lakes in India

Freshwater lakes are incredibly diverse in origin, with various factors influencing their formation and the ecosystems they support. Whether they are fed by streams or rivers, formed by retreating glaciers, or artificially created through human intervention such as damming ancient mines, each type of lake hosts its own unique microclimate shaped by its origin. Here we discuss 10 freshwater Lakes. These rivers have created a number of big freshwater lakes across Indian territory.

Freshwater Lakes in India With Description

Now Let us discuss more about these freshwater lakes in India.

• Wular Lake – Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India and lies in Kashmir Valley, 40 km northwest of Srinagar city. It is fed by the Jhelum River.
• Loktak Lake – Loktak Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes after Wular Lake. This lake provides sustenance to about 55 villages and hamlets in the Moirang region. It is fed by the Manipur River.
• Nagarjuna Sagar Lake – Nagarjuna Sagar Lake is a man made lake.This lake straddles the border between Palnadu (Andhra Pradesh) and Nalgonda (Telangana). It is fed by the Krishna River.
• Sardar Sarovar Lake – Sardar Sarovar Lake is also man made Lake.It is inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi. It is fed by the Narmada River.
• Govind Sagar Lake – Govind Sagar Lake is a man-made Freshwater lake. One of the most popular water sports at this is speed boating. It is situated on the Sutlej River.
• Kolleru Lake –  Kolleru Lake is famous as an important wetland of India. It is fed by the Tammileru and Budameru River.
• Indira Sagar Lake – Indira Sagar Lake is also a man made lake. It was built on the Narmada River which flows from Central India to Western India.
• Shivaji Sagar Lake – Shivaji Sagar Lake is a reservoir in the state of Maharashtra. This river’s primary inflows are at Koyna River.
• Dhebar Lake – Dhebar Lake is India’s second-largest artificial freshwater lake in India. The inflow source of this river is the Gomathi River.
• Kanwar Lake – Kanwar Lake is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake. This lake draws water from the confluence of the Gandak, the Bia, and the Kareh river.

Which is the Smallest Fresh Water Lake in India?

Pookode Lake is the smallest freshwater lake in India. It is located in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India. Pookode Lake is small, covering an area of about 13 acres, making it a unique and special place. This lake is surrounded by beautiful green hills and tall trees, making it a peaceful place to visit.

The lake is shaped like an oval, and its water is very clean and clear. You can see fish swimming in it! Pookode Lake is also a popular spot for tourists who enjoy boat rides and nature walks. Many people come here to relax and enjoy the calm environment. Since it is the smallest lake in India, it is a special place, and everyone who visits loves the beauty of nature there.

Significance of Freshwater Lakes 

Freshwater lakes play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, serving as an important source of drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, and power generation for industries. These ecosystems are not only essential for human survival but also support diverse forms of life, hosting 10% of the world’s animal species, many of which are facing the threat of extinction.

Protecting these habitats is of paramount importance as they provide invaluable ecological functions and services. Innumerable aquatic plants, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals depend on freshwater lakes for survival, including migratory and endangered species. Vegetated wetlands, integral parts of these ecosystems, contribute significantly to mitigating climate variability.

In addition to their ecological importance, freshwater lakes also support recreational and tourism activities, benefiting from their rich biodiversity. Ensuring the conservation of these habitats is essential to sustain both human livelihoods and biodiversity.

Also Read:

Largest Lakes in the World

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