Urban lakes in India have historically played a crucial role in water management, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage. Lakes are pivotal to urban sustainability. Besides being a crucial water resource, they provide diverse ecosystem services for micro-climate moderation, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, nutrient recycling, regulation of local hydrological regimes, and flood control. Traditionally, many villages or towns in India clustered around these water bodies and were extremely dependent on them for their daily activities. As indigenous communities have become less reliant on traditional water bodies, their role in local livelihoods and culture has diminished. Additionally, water distribution has become highly politicized, shifting governance priorities away from the conservation and integration of these water bodies into urban planning frameworks. As a result, rapid urbanization has led to their neglect, causing water shortages and serious environmental and social problems.
The objective of this study is to critically review historical trends and governance challenges in order to analyze urban lake management in India. It also critically examines the policies and programs implemented by national and regional governments for lake management and their impact on these water bodies amidst ongoing urbanization. By analyzing past and present conditions, the study seeks to enhance understanding of urban lakes and their role in evolving India’s urban landscape.
The research follows a qualitative approach, drawing from an extensive literature review, policy documents, government reports, and academic studies. Case studies of selected urban lakes are analyzed to illustrate governance challenges and conservation outcomes. By comparing the alternative approaches, the paper identifies patterns in urban lake management, the impact of urbanization, and the role of administrative interventions in shaping their current conditions. Further, the study explores gaps in the integrated planning approach to urban lakes by reviewing existing literature to understand past trends and analyzing selected case studies from India to identify future possibilities.
The findings shall highlight the persistent threats to urban lakes, including encroachments, declining water quality, and inadequate governance mechanisms. Historical patterns indicate that despite periodic interventions, urban lakes remain vulnerable due to weak enforcement of policies and fragmented institutional responsibilities. The case studies illustrate both governance failures and instances of conservation efforts that have seen mixed results. This paper underscores the importance of understanding the historical trajectory of urban lakes in India to inform future discussions on their conservation and management.