The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has reported a significant decline in the number of natural lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, with 518 out of 697 lakes either disappearing or shrinking since 1967. This degradation affects over 2,851.26 hectares of land, leading to ecological imbalance and loss of biodiversity. The report emphasizes the need for immediate conservation measures, including the establishment of a specialized authority to manage lake resources effectively. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attributed the lake losses to urbanization, climate change, and unregulated human activities, urging citizens to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. The report also highlights that lakes serve as natural flood buffers, underscoring their importance in preventing disasters like the 2014 floods in Jammu and Kashmir. While some lakes have increased in size, the reasons for this growth remain unexplored, indicating a lack of monitoring by relevant authorities. The CAG's findings call for comprehensive laws and enhanced funding to address these critical environmental issues.