Sambhar Lake

Why in news?

A blush of pink has swept across Rajasthan’s Sambhar Salt Lake, where thousands of migratory flamingos have gathered in a spectacular seasonal display.

• Location – It is situated about 80 km southwest of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Features

• Salt Lake – It is India’s largest inland salt water lake, represents the depression of the Aravalli Range.
• Ramsar Site – It is a wetland of ‘international importance’ under the Ramsar Convention, declared in 1990.
• Size – The area occupied by this lake differs from season to season, so roughly it is between 190 and 230 sq km.
  • During peak summers (dry time), the depth measures as low as 60 cm but during the monsoons, it goes up to 3 m.
• History – It found its mention in the Mahabharata as the land of demon king Vrishparva.
  • The town of sambhar was founded by Raja Vasudev of the Chauhan dynasty in 551 AD, later ruled by Sindhias, Marathas, Mughals, and Rajputs; leased to the British in 1870.
• Drainage – It is fed by the rivers like Luni, Jawai Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, etc.
• Vegetation – The vegetation present in the catchment area is mostly xerophytic type, a plant adapted for growth under dry conditions.
• Fauna – Famous for migratory birds, especially flamingos, pelicans and the waterfowls are commonly sighted at the Sambhar Lake.
  • Other species: coots, stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks.
  • Wildlife around the lake includes blue bulls (nilgai) and foxes.
• Temples & Sacred Sites –
  • Shakambhari Mata Temple – Legend says the goddess turned a plain of precious metals into salt to prevent feuds.
  • Devayani Kund – Site of Devayani’s marriage to King Yayati, known as “Little Pushkar.”
  • Bhairana Dadu Dwara Temples (Naraina) – Seat of Dadu Dayal Maharaj, mystic saint of Nirguna Bhakti tradition.

References

1. Indian Express | Sambhar Lake turns pink
2. Rajasthan Tourism | Sambhar Lake