CPCB report flags severe pollution in Manasbal Lake, water fails even bathing standards

CPCB tests find faecal contamination, untreated wastewater and solid waste in the lake, which supplies drinking water to thousands in Ganderbal and Bandipora

New Delhi: The New Delhi based Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has come up with a very scary report on Manasbal which confirms large scale pollution in the waters of this lake which happens to be the drinking source for thousands of people in Bandipora and Ganderbal districts.

The CPCB scientists had conducted the tests by taking samples from different areas of the lake in April this year on the direction of National Green Tribunal-NGT where a petition has been filed by environmental activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat.

The tests conducted by CPCB have revealed that there is faecal matter, grey water, solid waste and other kinds of waste inside the Manasbal lake.

The petition filed by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat alleged that untreated sewage including pesticides from 14 villages was entering Manasbal lake through the Lar Canal, degrading the lake’s ecology.

On January 30, 2026, the NGT’s Principal Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Senthil Vel, Expert Member had heard this case and had ordered CPCB to conduct the tests.

Raja Muzaffar Bhat was represented by his counsels Advocate Rahul Chowdhary and Shreepuna Dasgupta.

They submitted before the NGTs Principal Bench that untreated sewage from 14 villages is being discharged into the Manasbal wetland through the Lar Canal, resulting in severe pollution of the water body. They informed the Tribunal that the lake serves as a drinking water source for thousands of residents in Safapora, Sumbal , Sonwari and adjoining areas of Ganderbal and Bandipora districts.

The Central Pollution Control Board-CPCB scientists had inspected the site on 4th April this year with officials from JK Pollution Control Committee and Wullar Manasbal Development Authority- WMDA.7 water samples were collected, 4 from Manasbal Lake, 2 from natural springs and 1 from Lar Canal.

Major Findings from the tests revealed that water quality in the lake was deteriorating and none of the seven samples met Class B water quality standards (fit for outdoor bathing). Five out of seven locations were only fit for wildlife and fisheries (Class D).

Only one spring met Class C standards (drinking water after treatment). One spring failed to qualify even under Classes A–D.

Sources of pollution identified

The Central Pollution Control Board- CPCB in its report submitted to National Green Tribunal -NGT observed that mixed municipal waste (plastic bags, bottles and litter) dumped along the lake shore.

Open dumping of garbage near residential areas. Grey water (household wastewater) was flowing directly into the lake. Solid waste was scattered around Kondabal. Part of the Lar Canal flows directly into Manasbal Lake.

Wastewater from seven villages around the lake enters the lake without treatment. J&K Pollution Control Committee-JKPCC had also found sewage flowing through small drains during an earlier inspection.

Microbial contamination

The report confirms high levels of faecal coliform and total coliform bacteria in the Manasbal lake. This indicates contamination from human or animal sewage, making the water unsafe for direct human use.

Most of the heavy metals were below detectable limits, however pollution was still evident due to biological contamination and wastewater discharge rather than toxic metal contamination.

“Locals of Safapora adjoining areas led by Civil Society Safapora and Social Concern Group especially have been highlighting this issue for a long time but authorities never took them seriously. The Government claimed STP was being set up to protect the lake but it was never done. This is a criminal negligence on part of authorities and this will be placed on record before NGT as 50,000 to 60,000 people are supplied the same contaminated water for drinking purposes. The Government counsel had nothing to say in NGT on Thursday when the case was listed and now have sought more time. I hope final judgement would be pronounced on next day of hearing in October and massive environmental compensation would be imposed on the government,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said.