Man Sagar Lake, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, is an artificial lake named after Raja Man Singh, the ruler of Amer, who constructed it around 1610 by damming the Dravyavati River. The lake spans over an area of 300 acres surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the north, west, and east sides, while the southern side consists of plains densely inhabited. The Nahargarh Fort on the hills offers a commanding view of the lake and the Jal Mahal Palace in the middle.
The lake’s catchment area is 23.5 square kilometers, comprising semi-urban areas and largely deforested Aravalli hills, leading to significant siltation. The average annual rainfall is 657.4 mm, primarily from June to September. The dam, originally built using earth and quartzite, was later converted to stone masonry. The dam, approximately 300 meters long, facilitates irrigation downstream. The lake’s ecological system has deteriorated over the years due to urbanization, leading to heavy siltation and pollution from untreated sewage.
The surrounding Aravalli hills have quartzite rock formations, contributing to the unique topography. The area is known for its dry tropical forests, including flora and Dhauk (Anogeissus pendula). The lake’s fauna includes various species, such as deer, jungle cats, striped hyenas, Indian foxes, wild boars, and leopards.
Man Sagar Lake, once a birdwatcher’s paradise, has seen a decline in the numbers of over 150 species of local and migratory birds due to its deterioration. However, restoration efforts and the annual birding fair initiated in 1997 have led to some recovery and raised awareness. The lake’s hydrology, influenced by seasonal rainfall and municipal drainage, sees a maximum water volume of 3,130,000 cubic meters, which significantly decreases during the dry season.
The lake and its surrounding areas are abundant in wildlife, including various bird species such as the common moorhen, grey heron, white-browed wagtail, and blue-tailed bee-eater. The lake also supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem, with various species of fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants. Efforts to restore and maintain the lake continue, aiming to revive its ecological balance and beauty.