Sambhar Lake, also called Sambhar Salt Lake, is a famous natural wonder in Rajasthan, India. Known as the largest inland saline lake in India, it holds great ecological and environmental importance. In March 1990, it was declared a Ramsar site because of its rich biodiversity.
This lake is a vital wintering spot for thousands of migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and other species traveling from northern Asia. Its salty waters and unique ecosystem make it a special destination for nature lovers and a crucial part of wetland conservation in India.
Sambhar Lake at a Glance
Here’s an overview table summarizing key information about Sambhar Lake:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan (Jaipur, Nagaur, Ajmer districts) |
| Type | Largest inland saline lake in India |
| Ramsar Site Designation | March 1990 |
| Ecological Importance | Vital habitat for migratory birds, supports rich biodiversity, unique saline ecosystem |
| Flora & Fauna | Xerophytic plants, migratory birds (flamingos, pelicans, ducks), threatened species (Uromastix, desert fox, desert cat) |
| Climate | Tropical monsoonal climate with summer (40-45°C), monsoon (550-600 mm rain), and winter (8-10°C) |
| Topography | Elliptical shape, flat lakebed, divided by a dam into two sections (Jhapok & Gudha), natural and industrial areas |
| Soil Types | Clay, clay loam, sandy loam, sandy soil, with unirrigated (Barani) and irrigated (Chahi) soil categories |
| Catchment Area | Covers Jaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, and Nagaur districts |
| Feeding Streams | Mendha, Rupangarh, Kharain, Khandel |
| Hydrology | Shallow, centripetal drainage pattern, water from small streams, and surface runoff |
| Protection Status | Ramsar Site, Wetland of International Importance |
| International Significance | Second largest flamingo habitat in India, a critical wetland for migratory birds outside the Rann of Kutch |
| Threats | Siltation, soil salinisation, water management issues, pollution, over-extraction of water, salt production, declining water levels, avian botulism |
| Conservation Efforts | Addressing environmental challenges, maintaining ecosystem balance, and protecting biodiversity |
◾ Don’t Miss: Major Lake in India
About Sambhar Lake
- Sambhar Lake, recognized as a wetland of international importance, has been designated as a Ramsar Site by the Government of India.
- This iconic lake, located near the desert fringe, spans across three districts of Rajasthan: Jaipur, Nagaur, and Ajmer.
- The surrounding region features xerophytic plants, which thrive in the area’s dry conditions.
- The Aravalli Ranges rise dramatically to over 700 meters on the northwest and west, creating scenic hillocks near the lake’s northern and southern edges.
Bordering the lake are:
- Jaipur district to the south, southeast, and east
- Nagaur district to the north and northwest
- Ajmer district to the southwest
- Sambhar Lake is a vital habitat for waterbirds, attracting numerous wetland species during the winter months. Its ecological importance makes it a must-visit site for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Physiography of Sambhar Lake
Climate of Sambhar Lake
- Sambhar Lake lies in a transitional climate zone, where the arid climate of the west meets the semiarid conditions of the east.
- The climate is shaped by the monsoon season and the surrounding topography, particularly the Aravalli range.
- The lake is situated on the eastern side of the Aravalli Mountains, which are characterized by wind gaps that influence weather patterns.
- The region experiences a tropical monsoonal climate with three distinct seasons:
- Summer: Hot and dry, with temperatures soaring to 40-45℃.
- Monsoon: Heavy rainfall occurs from July to September, contributing to the 550-600 mm annual average.
- Winter: Cool and mild, with temperatures dipping to 8-10℃.
- The average annual temperature is around 23℃, making the area a fascinating blend of extreme heat and monsoonal rains.
- This unique climate plays a significant role in shaping the lake’s ecosystem and the survival of xerophytic plants and wetland species.
Topography of Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake has an elliptical shape with a predominantly flat lake bed. A long stone dam divides the lake into two sections:
- Jhapok in the south
- Gudha in the north
- The western part of the lake remains natural and largely undisturbed, preserving its original ecosystem.
- In contrast, the eastern part is more developed, with two reservoirs, canals, and saltpans used for salt extraction.
- This combination of natural and industrial areas makes Sambhar Lake a unique site for both biodiversity and economic activity.
Soil Types in Sambhar Lake
The Sambhar Lake area consists of four main types of soil:
- Clay
- Clay loam
- Sandy loam
- Sandy soil
The soil texture generally ranges from sandy loam to clayey loam. Additionally, the soil is classified into two categories based on irrigation:
- Barani (unirrigated)
- Chahi (irrigated)
This diverse soil composition plays a key role in supporting the region’s unique vegetation and ecosystem.
Geography and Hydrology of Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Lake is a shallow and elliptical lake, with its catchment area covering four districts in Rajasthan:
- Jaipur
- Ajmer
- Sikar
- Nagaur
The lake basin follows a centripetal drainage pattern, where streams flow inward toward the lake. Sambhar Lake is primarily fed by four main streams:
- Mendha
- Rupangarh
- Kharain
- Khandel
Additionally, the lake receives water from small streams originating from the Aravalli Hills and surface runoff, contributing to its unique hydrological system.
Mendha River
- The Mendha River, the largest feeder stream of Sambhar Lake, originates in the northeast of the lake, within the Sikar district. It plays a crucial role in supplying water to the lake, contributing to its overall hydrology.
Protection Status
- Sambhar Lake was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990 due to its ecological significance and the following reasons:
- Important habitat for migratory birds: The lake serves as a vital wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and other wetland species.
- Largest inland saline wetland: It is the largest inland saline wetland in India, supporting unique ecosystems and wildlife.
- Biodiversity: The lake supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including xerophytic plants and various bird species.
- Wetland conservation: As a Ramsar site, the lake contributes to global wetland conservation efforts, helping maintain ecological balance in the region.
- Environmental importance: It plays a significant role in maintaining local water systems and providing essential services to the surrounding environment.
International and National Importance of Sambhar Lake
- Sambhar Lake holds significant international and national value, especially for its role in supporting large numbers of flamingos, second only to the Rann of Kutch in India. Along with the Phulera and Didwana salt lakes, it forms a vast saline wetland, which is crucial for flamingos outside the Rann of Kutch, making it an important tourist attraction.
- The lake also draws various waders and migratory ducks, including species like pochards, coots, and other aquatic birds. Its surrounding catchment area is home to rare and threatened species such as the Uromastix, saw-scaled viper, desert cat, and desert fox, further enhancing its ecological value.
Changes in Ecological Character
Sambhar Lake faces several environmental challenges that have impacted its ecological character:
- Siltation
- Soil salinisation
- Discharge of sewage from surrounding towns
These factors have negatively affected the health of the wetland, impacting its biodiversity.
Threats to Sambhar Lake
Several critical threats are endangering the wetland ecosystem of Sambhar Lake:
- Landscape Degradation: The loss of agricultural land and the overuse of groundwater contribute to landscape degradation, threatening the surrounding ecosystem.
- Water Management Issues: Over-extraction of water, the diversion of surface water inflows, and the construction of rainwater harvesting structures disrupt the natural hydrological patterns, leading to insufficient aquifer recharge.
- Increased Salt-Making Activities: The growing demand for salt has led to increased salt production near the lake, causing desertification and environmental damage.
- Declining Water Levels: Decreased water levels negatively impact the lake’s habitat and the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Degradation of Waterfowl Habitat: The loss of waterfowl habitats due to pollution, overgrazing, and other factors has further stressed the bird population.
- Pollution and Waste: Pollution from nearby towns, villages, and vehicular transportation has degraded the water quality, affecting the entire ecosystem.
- Avian Botulism: Outbreaks of avian botulism have led to bird deaths in the marshlands, impacting migratory bird populations.
- Loss of Lake Area: Mining, illegal salt pan encroachments, and other activities have caused the loss of approximately 30% of the lake’s area, further threatening its health.
- Soil and Water Quality Degradation: Ongoing soil and water quality degradation continues to affect the lake, resulting in a decline in the population of migratory birds.
Conservation Efforts
To ensure the preservation of Sambhar Lake and its diverse ecosystem, it is essential to address these environmental challenges. Efforts to tackle these issues will be key to maintaining the lake’s ecological balance and its significance as a wetland of international importance.
Source: Report by Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur
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