The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has issued a stark warning regarding the decline of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that 518 out of 697 surveyed lakes and wetlands have either disappeared or shrunk significantly. This alarming trend, which affects nearly 74% of the surveyed bodies, is attributed to rapid urbanization, encroachment, and inadequate conservation efforts. The report highlights that 315 lakes are no longer traceable, while 203 have lost a combined area of 1,314 hectares. The consequences of this degradation include increased susceptibility to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. Experts emphasize the need for a cohesive management strategy involving various government departments and community participation to safeguard these critical ecosystems. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the findings, urging citizens to take collective action to mitigate the crisis. The CAG report underscores the urgency for immediate intervention to prevent further environmental degradation in the region.