Battle for existence: Bihar's Kanwar lake on verge of extinction

Once a haven for migratory birds, the Kanwar lake in Bihar has shrunk manifolds now and is battling for existence. Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake has fallen victim to the government's apathy towards environment conservation, illegal farming, encroachment, arsenic contamination, and global warming.

Begusarai: The freshwater oxbow lake, also known to be Asia's largest in Bihar's Begusarai, is gradually perishing. Kanwar lake, which was once a popular tourist spot, is now battling for its existence.

The lake was earlier spread across 15,000 acres, but has shrunk manifolds now.

The water body was once a haven for migratory birds. However, the number of birds species visiting the lake has faced a severe dip in recent times.

Although Begusarai has been a hotbed for the general election candidates this year, none have talked about the immediate attention the lake needs right now.

Unfortunately, this perishing freshwater lake has fallen victim to the government's apathy towards environment conservation, illegal farming, encroachment, arsenic contamination, and global warming.