Anthropogenic Impact on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Sacred Lakes of Himachal Himalayas: A Review

Abstract

Glacial and freshwater lakes of Himachal Himalayas provide important ecosystem services and help to maintain ecological balance of the region. Some of the lakes of state hold a sacred value due to which thousands of pilgrims visit per year for holy dip. These sacred practices somewhere are affecting natural serenity as well as water quality of these holy lakes. The present study was aimed to analyze and assess anthropogenic effects on physico- chemical parameters of sacred lakes of Himachal Himalayas. The present study becomes crucial as all these lakes are located on high altitudes of state and are natural lakes. The study concluded a distinct contrast in variation of water quality in lakes those suffer more anthropogenic activities while the lakes those are away from touch of human activities still show lesser or no variation.

Introduction

The Himalayas, meaning “Abode of Snow,” contain numerous high-altitude freshwater lakes of major ecological, hydrological, cultural, and religious importance. Most Indian Himalayan lakes lie in the Western Himalayas, particularly within the Himachal Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. These lakes are highly sensitive systems due to their high flushing rates and play a key role in maintaining hydrological balance, while also serving as indicators of climatic change and groundwater interactions. Many are sacred “Dal” lakes that attract large numbers of pilgrims and tourists each year.

The study reviews eight important sacred lakes of the Himachal Himalayas—Manimahesh, Suraj Tal, Chander Tal, Renuka, Rewalsar, Prashar, Kareri, and Lam Dal—covering their location, general features, geology, pilgrimage practices, and hydrochemistry. These lakes vary widely in altitude, trophic status, climate, and size, ranging from ultra-oligotrophic high-altitude glacial lakes to hyper-eutrophic low-altitude lakes.

Geologically, the lakes reflect the complex tectonic and lithological framework of the Himalayas, shaped by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Most high-altitude lakes are of glacial origin, while others, such as Renuka and Rewalsar, are tectonic in nature. Their surrounding rock types strongly influence lake water chemistry through silicate and carbonate weathering processes.

Religiously, these lakes are closely associated with Hindu and Buddhist traditions and host annual pilgrimages, fairs, and holy dips, drawing visitors from hundreds to lakhs each year. While culturally significant, this intense human activity has led to increasing anthropogenic pressure.

Hydrochemical analysis shows that lake water chemistry is primarily controlled by rock weathering, precipitation, and evaporation, with calcium–bicarbonate water types being dominant. However, many lakes—especially those with heavy pilgrimage pressure—exhibit elevated nutrients, heavy metals, coliform bacteria, and signs of eutrophication due to waste disposal and ritual activities. High-altitude lakes generally retain better water quality, while lower-altitude sacred lakes show significant degradation.

Conclusion

The present lake study suggests that DO, Turbidity, TDS, TH, EC and concentration of dissolved sediments are high in those lakes that are under influence of heavy anthropogenic activity. Renuka Lake, Rewalsar Lake, Prashar Lake and Manimahesh Lake experience heavy pilgrimage load and that is resulting to deterioration to serenity and purity of these sacred lakes. Deterioration of water quality of these lakes is related to domestic wastes, religious offerings like dhoop, flowers, coins etc. during fairs and untreated wastewaters and leading to eutrophication. Urbanization near these lakes is also blooming rapidly and ultimately affecting lake health. Meanwhile, Kareri Lake, Lam Dal, Suraj Tal,Chander Tal are difficult to reach and thus are less contaminated by visitors. These lakes are still holding their purity and serenity due to less human intervention. Lake restoration measures are suggested to further check these practices and also civic sense is highly expected and needed from tourists and pilgrims to protect further aggravation.

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Copyright © 2026 Mamta Guleria. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.