Manchar Lake - The Largest Freshwater Lake
Overview
Lake Manchar is located on the west side of the Indus River in the Sindh metropolitan area, 18 kilometers from Sehwan Sharif. It is the largest shallow freshwater lake in Pakistan and one of the largest in Asia. The water in the lake is collected by small streams in the Kirthar Mountains and flows into the Indus River. The total area of the lake varies from 350 square kilometers to 520 square kilometers depending on the season.
The lake was created in 1930 when the Sukkur Barrage was built on the Indus River. In 1932, flood control dams were built on its northern and northeastern borders. In fact, such natural freshwater sources are the main water resources in arid regions.
Lake Manchar and the surrounding area are great for vacations. People from far and near come to this lake to enjoy boating and fishing.
Manchar Lake in Dadu, Sindh is the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan. Moreover, it is also one of the largest lakes in Asia. It is located west of the Indus River in the Jamshoro and Dadu districts of Sindh.
everal creeks in the Kirthar Mountains provide water for Manchar Lake. This lake then flows into the Indus River. The monsoon season fluctuates in the Lake. Lake Manchar varies in size from 36 square kilometers to 500 square kilometers, depending on the area's annual rainfall.
The shores of the lake are home to some stunning archaeological sites, including Ghazi Shah and Wahi Pandhi Al Murad Mound. Along the river are the famous ruins of Lal Chatto, Lakhiyo, and Mashak Lohri. These sites are the oldest around the lake and also date back to the Harappan culture. The lake emerged when a tributary of the Indus River began to flow through Kashmir. It was further developed by joining Lake Hamal through the main Nara Valley. Also in 2010, the lake was flooded. The lake also faces many crises. For example, in 1958, the lake completely evaporated due to drought.
Additionally, as it is the largest freshwater shallow lake in Pakistan, therefore plays an important role as a natural habitat. Therefore, from an environmental point of view, it is very important. The lake is home to many fishermen who depend on the lake's fish for a living. The lake water is clear, but environmental degradation has reduced the quality of the lake water. The main drainage system of Nara has contributed to the environmental degradation of the lake.
How to get there?
It takes almost four hours to reach Manchar Lake from the Sukkur city and from the Larkana via Indus Highway and Khairpur Rd and Indus Hwy/N-55 respectively. However, if you are visiting other cities like Lahore, Islamabad Multan, you can take a flight to Sukkur. PIA regularly operates flights here.
What can you do there?
When the lake is full of rain, there are thousands of fish. Since then, people have often come here to fish, rowboats, and enjoy fresh fish by the lake.