SR-45 : Major and important lakes of Rajasthan: status of hydrological research

Abstract

Notwithstanding its climatic regime, the State of Rajasthan has many minor and major water bodies especially in the eastern and southern part. However, most of these are manmade and there are almost no natural lakes in the State. There are a number of saline lakes also in the desert region.

Many studies have been reported on the lentic freshwater bodies of the State but mostly on the bio-limnological aspects. The lakes of Udaipur are relatively better studied than other lakes of the State. Lot of confusion has been observed in the nomenclature used for different water bodies. There has been a lot of variation in the various physical and bio-chemical data of the lakes reported. A standardization of estimation procedures and units is needed. Most of the lakes are facing threats from pollution, sedimentation, high evaporation and eutrophication. There are numerous studies on pollution aspect but studies on hydrological aspects are almost negligible. However, since, for proper management and conservation of lakes and its ecology, a complete knowledge of all the processes in lakes is needed, it is suggested that the hydrological aspects be given due attention without much delay.

The status report gives information about many minor and major freshwater bodies of Rajasthan along with their present problems and status of present research. An attempt has also been made to prepare a comprehensive inventory of freshwater bodies of Rajasthan.