Back to the Roots

Just 80 kilometres southwest of Rajasthan's capital Jaipur lies Sambhar Lake — India's largest inland saltwater lake.

- Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Spanning approximately 190 to 230 square kilometres, the lake has long been known for its winter bird-watching and salt production. But behind the picturesque facade lies a story of environmental concern and quiet resilience.

In recent years, the health of Sambhar Lake has come under scrutiny. A 2019 water quality assessment by Rajasthan's Environment Department issued a stark warning: the lake's water is highly alkaline and saline, with salinity levels exceeding 40 grams per liter—well above the 30-40 g/L range desirable for saltwater lakes. Even more alarming, the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) ranged from 78 to 203 mg/L, significantly breaching the safe threshold of 3-6 mg/L.

This level of salinity has not only affected the lake's ecosystem but has also had a crippling effect on agriculture in the surrounding regions. Groundwater, too, turned increasingly saline, pushing communities to the brink, where many farmers gave up farming and migrated to cities for work. Yet amid this adversity, a silent revolution has been unfolding — driven by community action, indigenous knowledge, and the enduring spirit of local farmers. Central to this revival are the ponds dug in several villages near the lake, which are now acting as lifelines for the region.

SCALING THE SOLUTION