Manasbal Lake and Vembanad Lake

In News

• Recently, after more than three decades Kashmir’s Manasbal Lake is once again open for training drills; after raging militancy forced the Navy to abandon it. 
  • The demolition of the illegally constructed villas of Kapico Resorts Pvt. Ltd on Nediyathuruthu Island on Vembanad Lake has begun. 

About Manasbal Lake and Vembanad Lake

• Manasbal Lake
  • It is a freshwater lake located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India.
  • The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of Lake Manasarovar.
  • The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.
  • It is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir.
• Vembanad Lake
  • Vembanad is the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala.
  • With an area of 2033 square kilometres, it is the second-largest Ramsar site in India only after the Sunderbans in West Bengal.
  • It receives water from rivers like the Pamba and Periyar.
  • The lake is a major source of freshwater for the state but also has brackish water areas.
  • It is also known as Vembanad Kayal, Vembanad Kol, Punnamada Lake (in Kuttanad) and Kochi Lake (in Kochi)
  • The lake witnessed a Snake boat race known as Nehru Trophy Boat Race (locally known as Vallam Kali) in August.
  • The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.

Source: TH