Patna: More than 90% of Bihar’s lakes have disappeared in six years, according to the latest water body census, highlighting the scale of the state’s growing water crisis.
The first water body census, conducted across all 38 districts in 2018-19, recorded 2,693 lakes in Bihar. The second census, conducted in 2024-25, found only 258 lakes — a decline of 2,435, or more than 90%.
The census was conducted under the aegis of the Planning and Development Department, while the final report is expected to be published by the central government.
10 districts have no lakes
The latest figures show that 10 districts now have no recorded lakes. They are Arwal, Begusarai, Jehanabad, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhubani, Jamui, Saran and Sheohar.
Six other districts — Gopalganj, Munger, Purnia, Sitamarhi, Siwan and Supaul — have only one lake each.
Darbhanga has witnessed one of the sharpest declines. The district had 567 lakes in 2018-19, but only two were recorded in the latest census.
During the first census, eight districts had between 139 and 567 lakes each. The latest figures show that no district now has even 50 recorded lakes. Buxar has the highest number, with 48.
District-wise lake count
Among the districts for which figures are provided, the latest census records 19 lakes in Patna, 14 in Banka, 18 in Bhagalpur, 37 in Bhojpur and 48 in Buxar.
The figures for other districts include Gaya (3), Kishanganj (28), Madhepura (5), Muzaffarpur (4), Nalanda (2), Nawada (3), West Champaran (3), East Champaran (6), Rohtas (4), Saharsa (6), Samastipur (4), Sheikhpura (5) and Vaishali (7).
Major lakes also under threat
The decline is not limited to smaller water bodies. Kawar Lake, considered Bihar’s largest lake, has seen its area shrink dramatically. Its area was recorded at 6,786 hectares in 1984, while it is now estimated at around 2,000 hectares.
Gogabil Lake in Katihar is also rapidly shrinking, while Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa has dried up completely and is currently undergoing restoration.
Several other major water bodies are considered vulnerable, including Kharagpur Lake in Munger, Kusheshwarsthan Lake in Darbhanga, Machhalind Lake in Bodh Gaya, Udaipur Lake in West Champaran and Gokul Lake in Buxar.
More than 500 of the lakes that have disappeared were reportedly being used for agriculture, while more than 100 had tourism significance.
Encroachment, urbanisation among key concerns
The census findings point to several factors behind the disappearance and degradation of water bodies.
Encroachment is a major concern, with land allegedly being occupied and water bodies filled in for residential use. Unplanned urban expansion, construction and growing real estate pressure have further reduced the space available for lakes.
Government neglect and inadequate maintenance have also contributed to the deterioration of several water bodies. Accumulation of silt has progressively reduced their water-holding capacity.
Changing weather patterns, including erratic and inadequate rainfall, have added to the pressure, causing some water sources to shrink or dry up.
Loss of lakes threatens water security
The disappearance of lakes could have serious consequences for Bihar’s water security and environment.
Reduced natural water storage can contribute to falling groundwater levels and intensify the cycle of floods and droughts by limiting the landscape’s ability to retain excess water during heavy rainfall.
The decline also poses a threat to aquatic biodiversity. The loss of water bodies has affected aquatic organisms and contributed to the disappearance of some fish species.
Agriculture is another area of concern, as the shrinking availability of surface water can reduce water resources available for farming.
The sharp decline recorded between the two censuses underscores the need for systematic protection, restoration and monitoring of Bihar’s remaining lakes and other traditional water bodies.
