Why Mansagar Lake Matters: A Context for Sustainable Action
Flowing through the heart of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, Mansagar Lake has, for centuries, been far more than a waterbody. It has been the city’s ecological buffer, cultural nucleus, and architectural centerpiece, thanks to the majestic Jal Mahal Palace nestled at its center.
Originally formed in the 16th century by constructing a dam across the Dharbawati River, the lake served as a vital reservoir to meet the city’s water needs, regulate floodwaters, and support local biodiversity.
However, decades of urban expansion, rising population, and insufficient waste infrastructure have turned this ecological sanctuary into a dumping ground for untreated sewage and solid waste. The surrounding areas—once rich with flora, fauna, and community interaction—are now marked by severe water pollution, plastic accumulation, and seasonal urban flooding.
This decline isn’t just ecological—it reflects a broader urban crisis. Today, the health of Mansagar Lake serves as a mirror to Jaipur’s sustainability challenges, from waste management failures to biodiversity loss. Reviving this iconic lake is not just about environmental aesthetics—it’s about securing the climate resilience and public health of one of India’s fastest-growing smart cities.
With Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative, we have the framework to reclaim this ecological asset through a model based on river cleanup, community engagement, and circular economy innovation.
Key Problems Facing Mansagar Lake
The degradation of Mansagar Lake is not accidental—it is the result of interwoven systemic issues, each contributing to its steady ecological collapse. From sewage inflow and plastic waste dumping to declining water quality and biodiversity, the lake suffers on multiple fronts.
Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
The most pressing issue facing Mansagar Lake is the continuous inflow of untreated sewage and greywater. The Brahmpuri Nala, a major drain carrying domestic waste from Jaipur’s older residential zones, directly empties into the lake without treatment.
According to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC), the city generates over 400 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage, but a significant treatment gap persists due to outdated or insufficient sewage treatment plants (STPs).
Recent studies conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have revealed alarming levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the lake, indicating high organic pollution and oxygen depletion. Fecal coliform levels also remain high, making the lake unfit for even recreational use.
Earth5R’s lake diagnosis model emphasizes that such unchecked inflows contribute not only to pollution but also to the spread of waterborne diseases among nearby residents.
This infographic illustrates the catchment structure of Mansagar Lake, showing how runoff from the surrounding hills—especially the north side—feeds into the lake during monsoon. It highlights the urban and natural terrains influencing water flow, with key zones like the green and urban catchments and two major nallas draining 75% of the area.
Solid Waste Dumping
Equally damaging is the daily accumulation of solid waste in and around the lake. Informal settlements, tourism activity, and irresponsible waste disposal contribute to the dumping of plastic wrappers, construction debris, and even e-waste near Jal Mahal’s embankments.
Surveys by local NGOs have documented the presence of non-biodegradable waste in the sediment, leading to long-term ecological damage.
A recent analysis revealed that over 6 tons of solid waste is deposited in the lake’s catchment area every month, most of which is neither segregated nor collected in time. These conditions not only obstruct water flow and contribute to urban flooding but also provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. The absence of decentralized waste management systems or community-led recycling initiatives exacerbates the issue.
This is where Earth5R’s plastic waste management model, based on local recycling and circular economy principles, becomes critical.
Water Quality Degradation
The degradation of Mansagar’s water quality has been scientifically documented through multiple ecological assessments. Low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels—often below 2 mg/L—make the lake unable to support healthy aquatic life. High concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, primarily from detergents and fertilizers, have led to frequent algal blooms, which consume available oxygen and suffocate aquatic species.
Furthermore, heavy metals such as lead and cadmium—possibly leaching from informal e-waste dumping and road runoff—have been detected in the lakebed. These toxic substances bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, posing a threat to birds and humans alike.Without intervention, Mansagar risks becoming a dead lake, unable to regenerate itself biologically.
Loss of Biodiversity
Once a thriving habitat for migratory birds like flamingos, herons, and kingfishers, Mansagar Lake’s avian diversity has declined sharply over the last two decades. A comparative study by the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board noted a 50% reduction in bird species between 2000 and 2020.
The root causes include water contamination, habitat fragmentation, and the growth of invasive aquatic weeds due to eutrophication.
With its proximity to the Aravalli hill range, Mansagar was once part of a larger ecological corridor. However, urban encroachments have broken this link, affecting not just birds but also amphibians, reptiles, and local fish populations.
Ecological restoration through biodiversity corridors, as recommended by Earth5R, is essential for bringing back life to this dying ecosystem.
Riverbank Encroachment
Encroachment around Mansagar’s periphery has accelerated with the city’s growth. From illegal settlements to roadside food stalls and concrete walkways, urban development has pushed the lake’s natural boundaries inward. A 2021 urban planning survey estimated that over 40% of the lake’s banks have been altered or occupied without environmental clearance.
These encroachments reduce the lake’s ability to buffer floods, block natural inflow channels, and eliminate riparian vegetation critical for natural filtration. Moreover, the lack of clearly demarcated buffer zones, which Earth5R emphasizes in its urban sustainability blueprints, leads to unchecked development and unmonitored pollution.
Groundwater Contamination
The contamination doesn’t stop at the surface. Studies by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) have found that groundwater around Mansagar Lake has high levels of nitrates and coliform bacteria, directly linked to seepage from the polluted lake. This poses a direct health hazard to nearby communities who rely on wells and borewells for drinking water.
Left unchecked, this contamination will deepen the public health crisis in Jaipur, particularly in underprivileged areas where residents lack access to treated water. Earth5R’s citizen-science monitoring model, combined with localized water testing and awareness programs, could be a game-changer in early detection and action.
Consequences of Mansagar Lake Neglect
Public Health Risks
The deteriorating condition of Mansagar Lake has become a silent but serious public health threat to the residents of Jaipur. As untreated sewage and solid waste continue to flow into the lake, the proliferation of harmful pathogens like E. coli and fecal coliforms increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
These issues are not just confined to water usage but extend to the air as well, with putrid smells and algal blooms affecting the surrounding environment. According to a National Institute of Urban Affairs report, urban lakes like Mansagar can act as hotbeds for disease vectors if neglected.
These health impacts disproportionately affect low-income communities and slum dwellers who depend on the lake for basic water needs, further deepening social inequalities linked to environmental neglect.
Increased Urban Flooding
The degradation of Mansagar Lake has also contributed to a surge in urban flooding in Jaipur. Once a crucial component of the city’s natural drainage and stormwater absorption system, the lake’s silted base and blocked inflow-outflow channels now reduce its capacity to absorb monsoon rain.
According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, such compromised water bodies in urban areas are key drivers of flash floods and waterlogging. A similar incident occurred in 2012 when excessive rainfall led to flooding in low-lying areas of the Walled City due to the lake’s inability to retain excess water.
The problem has been worsened by encroachment on floodplains and loss of natural wetlands, leaving the city increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
Economic Losses
The environmental neglect of Mansagar Lake has led to substantial economic consequences for Jaipur, particularly in the sectors of tourism, healthcare, and urban development. Jal Mahal, which floats on the lake, was once a thriving tourist attraction drawing thousands every year. However, the lake’s deteriorating water quality and strong stench from untreated sewage have reduced its aesthetic and commercial appeal.
A report by the Rajasthan Tourism Department noted a drop in tourist footfall to the lake precinct in recent years, impacting local livelihoods dependent on tourism.
Furthermore, the rise in public health costs and urban infrastructure repair due to flooding adds hidden financial strain on the municipal budget. The degradation of natural assets like Mansagar Lake undermines Jaipur’s potential as a Smart City, limiting investments in sustainable development.
Social Inequality
Environmental degradation often mirrors social inequity, and the case of Mansagar Lake is no different. Communities living near the lake, particularly low-income and informal settlements, face the brunt of pollution, water scarcity, and health hazards.
A field study by CUTS International found that these marginalized communities not only have limited access to clean water but also lack representation in environmental decision-making processes. They are exposed to a cycle of environmental injustice, where the lack of infrastructure, sanitation, and public services reinforces their vulnerability.
Moreover, unregulated development around the lake has catered more to commercial interests than the needs of the community. This imbalance calls for a shift toward inclusive and participatory planning, where citizen participation becomes the core of lake restoration efforts.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Fragmented Governance and Institutional Disconnect
Despite numerous attempts to rejuvenate Mansagar Lake, long-term ecological restoration remains elusive due to fragmented governance. Various bodies—including the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), Rajasthan Tourism Department, and Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC)—operate in silos with minimal inter-agency coordination.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in its performance audit on urban environmental projects, has emphasized that overlapping mandates, poor coordination, and lack of accountability among government departments severely hamper execution efficiency and delay meaningful outcomes.
Focus on Aesthetic Beautification Over Ecology
Many initiatives have emphasized aesthetic improvements rather than scientific restoration. A prime example is the Jal Mahal redevelopment project, which prioritized facade enhancement, landscaping, and tourism infrastructure. However, critical aspects such as aquatic biodiversity revival, water quality rehabilitation, and wastewater diversion were neglected.
According to periodic assessments by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB), key ecological indicators—such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO)—have shown no significant improvement, despite years of investment and development.
Lack of Real-Time Monitoring and Transparency
A major shortfall is the absence of real-time monitoring systems for water quality. Unlike modern conservation models that use IoT-based sensors and public data dashboards, Mansagar Lake lacks mechanisms to track and disclose pollution metrics like pH, turbidity, heavy metals, and bacterial counts.
Without transparent, real-time data, authorities are unable to course-correct policies, and citizens are kept in the dark. This leads to ineffective governance and loss of public trust, which further undermines restoration efforts.
Weak Community Participation and Missing NGO Involvement
Public involvement in lake conservation has largely been limited to one-off awareness drives, with no sustained citizen engagement. Efforts often lack ongoing workshops, volunteer programs, or citizen science initiatives that empower locals to monitor and co-manage the ecosystem.
Furthermore, environmental NGOs like Earth5R, which have pioneered community-led urban waterbody restoration across India, have not been formally integrated into state-led efforts. Without these grassroots partnerships, most interventions remain top-down, unsustainable, and disconnected from local needs.
What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete Lake Restoration
Zero Untreated Sewage
To truly restore Mansagar Lake the foremost priority must be to ensure zero discharge of untreated sewage into the water body.
Jaipur’s existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) are either outdated or not operating at full capacity. A comprehensive action plan must include interception of sewage drains, augmentation of STP capacity, and real-time effluent quality monitoring. Cities like Pune have made progress through similar interventions in the Mula-Mutha River Cleanup, proving that targeted investments work when community, government, and corporate sectors align.
Jaipur must follow this model by integrating ESG-aligned CSR partnerships for funding and execution, especially from businesses in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
Solid Waste to Circular Economy
Beyond sewage, plastic waste and solid dumping continue to plague Mansagar Lake. Transitioning from waste disposal to a circular economy is essential. This can be achieved through community-based waste segregation, decentralised Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and promoting plastic waste management enterprises that create green jobs.
Earth5R’s Mumbai River Cleanup Project has demonstrated how citizen training in recycling and livelihood development can build local ownership and reduce waste inflow. Jaipur must adopt a similar strategy by implementing skill development workshops and environmental courses focused on waste-to-resource transformation.
Ecological Restoration
The ecological revival of the lake demands scientifically driven restoration of wetlands, aquatic biodiversity, and buffer zones. Introducing native aquatic plants, reestablishing biodiversity corridors and creating wetland parks can help reverse environmental damage.
According to the MoEFCC’s Wetland Rules, such approaches not only improve water quality but also enhance urban climate resilience.
Jaipur’s environmental planners must integrate ecological science with urban design ensuring that projects are monitored through public dashboards powered by IoT sensors and GIS mapping, as implemented by Earth5R in multiple Smart Cities Mission collaborations.
Community Ownership Models
Top-down models must give way to community ownership, where citizens are not just passive beneficiaries but active custodians. The creation of Riverkeeper or Lakekeeper networks, as well as support for citizen science monitoring apps, will enable long-term community involvement.
Earth5R has successfully piloted such models in Mumbai and Pune, where employee engagement through CSR regular cleanups, and training programs built a culture of sustainability. Jaipur can replicate this by incentivizing local schools, colleges, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to become active participants through environmental awareness campaigns and certification courses.
Transparent Real-Time Data Monitoring
A critical missing link in lake restoration is data transparency. Implementing real-time water quality monitoring stations and public dashboards would allow citizen participation and corporate accountability.
Earth5R’s tech-driven approach to environmental monitoring offers an ideal blueprint. These platforms could track parameters like BOD, COD, DO, fecal coliform, and even microplastics, offering timely data for both regulators and the public.
Integration with CSR platforms and local Environmental NGO efforts would ensure data-driven decision-making, improving both operational efficiency and public trust in the cleanup process.
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
The BlueCities model developed by Earth5R offers a holistic, replicable, and community-centric framework for restoring urban water bodies like Mansagar Lake. The model has already shown success in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai, where circular economy principles, citizen science, and real-time data monitoring have created measurable environmental impact.
In Mumbai, Earth5R launched a comprehensive cleanup of the Mithi River, integrating informal waste workers, corporates and educational institutions into the process, which significantly improved both the ecological health and social equity of the surrounding area.
A similar integrated solution is ideal for Mansagar Lake, where top-down governance must be balanced with bottom-up engagement.
At the heart of Earth5R’s BlueCities model is its commitment to creating green livelihoods while restoring ecosystems. The program does not treat waste management or pollution control in isolation but rather connects it with job creation, skill training, and sustainable business incubation.
For instance, in Pune’s riverfront development, Earth5R empowered local women with environmental training and linked them with eco-enterprises, offering long-term income opportunities. This model of environmental entrepreneurship can uplift vulnerable communities living around Mansagar Lake while simultaneously reducing the waste load entering the lake.
Another critical feature of the BlueCities approach is data-driven transparency, which enhances accountability across all stakeholders. Through tools such as the Earth5R mobile app, local residents, students, and workers can log pollution sightings, track water quality, and participate in citizen-led audits.
This approach has been endorsed by multiple municipalities and climate think tanks, making it a UN-recognized model for urban environmental transformation. Adopting this scalable framework in Jaipur can help transform Mansagar Lake from a symbol of urban neglect into a beacon of sustainable regeneration and civic pride.
Mansagar Lake as a Flagship Project: Why Jaipur Should Lead
Making Mansagar Lake a flagship urban environmental project offers Jaipur the opportunity to position itself as a national and global leader in sustainability. The lake sits at the intersection of tourism, ecology, and urban planning, making it an ideal pilot zone for Smart Cities Mission initiatives and climate adaptation strategies.
With the iconic Jal Mahal already drawing international attention, restoring Mansagar Lake could showcase Jaipur’s capacity to blend heritage conservation with ecological restoration. By adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the city can mobilize investments from businesses that want to align with ESG goals and green infrastructure development.
Moreover, restoring the lake provides a unique opportunity to integrate climate resilience into urban policy, especially considering Jaipur’s increasing vulnerability to heatwaves and urban flooding. According to a UN-Habitat report, green-blue infrastructure like restored lakes can cool urban heat islands and improve groundwater recharge, creating a buffer against climate extremes.
Implementing bioswales, rain gardens, and vegetated buffer zones around Mansagar can serve as a living lab for other Indian cities, enabling knowledge sharing and innovation. Jaipur’s historical leadership in architecture and design gives it a cultural edge in developing aesthetic yet functional eco-spaces around water bodies.
Politically, making Mansagar Lake a flagship initiative aligns with national priorities like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
It also fits within Rajasthan’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes inclusive growth, environmental balance, and infrastructure resilience. If successfully executed, the project could earn recognition at global platforms like the World Urban Forum or the ICLEI World Congress, positioning Jaipur not only as a heritage city but also as a pioneer in urban sustainability.
This map highlights the spatial context of Mansagar Lake within Jaipur, showing its proximity to key landmarks like Nahargarh Fort and the Walled City. It outlines the lake’s catchment area in relation to settlements, Jhalana Hills, and major transport routes, emphasizing its urban integration and ecological significance.
Data Snapshot Box For Mansagar Lake
To understand the critical challenges facing Mansagar Lake, it is essential to examine key environmental indicators that highlight the current health and status of the lake ecosystem. The following data snapshot summarizes the most pressing issues, from water pollution
| Indicator | Current Status | Source |
| Sewage Treated | Approximately 40% of sewage is treated before discharge | Jaipur Municipal Corporation Report, 2024 |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Level | 8-12 mg/L (exceeds permissible limit of 3 mg/L) | Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) Report, 2023 |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Level | 2-3 mg/L (low, indicating poor water quality) | RSPCB Water Quality Survey, 2023 |
| Plastic Waste in Lake | Estimated 3 tons/month entering lake | Local NGO Surveys, 2024 |
| Biodiversity Loss | Over 50% decline in native aquatic species since 2000 | University of Rajasthan Ecological Study, 2022 |
| Riverbank Encroachment | 35% of lake shoreline affected by illegal constructions and waste dumping | Urban Planning Survey, Jaipur Development Authority, 2023 |
| Groundwater Contamination | Elevated nitrate levels found in wells within 1 km radius | Groundwater Board Report, 2023 |
| Wastewater Generation | Approx. 70 MLD (million liters/day) generated in Jaipur; only 28 MLD treated | Jaipur Water and Sewerage Board, 2024 |
| Community Engagement | Less than 20% of local population actively participates in lake conservation efforts | Earth5R Community Surveys, 2023 |
This snapshot of Mansagar Lake’s condition reveals stark environmental stress, from high pollution loads to significant ecological degradation and limited community involvement. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts that combine technological solutions, policy reform, and active citizen participation.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Jaipur
Mansagar Lake as a Catalyst for Urban Sustainability
Mansagar Lake’s restoration presents an unprecedented opportunity to catalyze urban sustainability across Jaipur, transforming not just a waterbody but the entire urban ecosystem. By integrating river restoration with comprehensive urban planning, Jaipur can set a powerful precedent for other historic cities grappling with rapid urbanization and environmental challenges.
Waste Management and Circular Economy
One of the critical factors contributing to Mansagar Lake’s degradation is the improper disposal of solid waste, particularly plastics and organic matter. Jaipur generates an estimated 700–800 tons of waste daily, but the recycling rate remains below 20%, highlighting a massive gap in sustainable waste management.
By establishing decentralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) near waste hotspots, the city can enhance plastic waste management while creating local jobs. Earth5R’s success in implementing circular economy models in cities like Pune demonstrates how waste can be transformed into valuable resources, reducing landfill pressure and preventing waste from entering water bodies like Mansagar Lake.
Furthermore, integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can mobilize private sector resources toward waste-to-recycling programs. Businesses adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks are increasingly investing in community-based recycling workshops and skill development programs, which Jaipur can leverage to scale green jobs and promote environmental awareness.
Sustainable Mobility and Transport
Traffic congestion and vehicular emissions are major contributors to Jaipur’s urban pollution, indirectly affecting the lake’s water quality through atmospheric deposition and urban runoff. Expanding Jaipur’s green transport infrastructure, such as electric buses and bicycle lanes, aligns with India’s Smart Cities Mission and its emphasis on reducing carbon footprints.
Encouraging the use of public transit and non-motorized transport not only reduces air pollution but also decreases urban flooding risks.
Implementing citizen participation in mobility planning through public consultations and education campaigns can foster shared responsibility. Community-driven projects like carpooling apps or e-vehicle incentive programs can accelerate behavioral shifts that benefit air and water quality.
Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Reviving Mansagar Lake must be accompanied by strengthening Jaipur’s urban green spaces, including parks, urban forests, and biodiversity corridors. These green lungs act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and supporting ecological restoration efforts. Creating wetlands and riparian buffers around the lake enhances biodiversity, providing habitat for migratory birds and native aquatic species.
Programs that encourage citizen-led environmental awareness and tree-planting workshops can boost stewardship and contribute to resilience. Linking these efforts with environmental certification programs from local NGOs and universities helps build a skilled green workforce.
Water Conservation and Management
Given Jaipur’s semi-arid climate, water conservation is critical. Enhancing rainwater harvesting, retrofitting buildings for greywater recycling, and promoting efficient use can reduce stress on water sources feeding Mansagar Lake. Earth5R’s work in water-scarce cities proves that combining traditional knowledge with technology strengthens water security.
Deploying real-time IoT sensors for monitoring enhances data quality and transparency. Public dashboards allow community participation and informed decision-making through mobile platforms and citizen audits.
Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Action
Restoring Mansagar Lake and promoting sustainable living are essential to Jaipur’s climate strategy. Urban ecosystems sequester carbon, regulate microclimates, and mitigate heat island effects. Implementing carbon neutrality programs with industries can offset emissions through green infrastructure and energy-efficient design.
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative offers climate action training programs that create green jobs in ecological restoration. These align with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), making Jaipur a climate-resilient city.
Citizen Sustainability Engagement
Urban sustainability depends on citizen engagement and ongoing environmental education. Jaipur can launch eco-awards, eco-citizen apps, and school programs to instill responsibility early.
The Earth5R BlueCities model promotes citizen-led environmental stewardship through lakekeeper networks and monitoring apps. Collaborating with environmental NGOs and government agencies ensures long-term sustainability through a resilient stakeholder network.
In restoring Mansagar Lake through an integrated, citizen-powered, and climate-resilient approach, Jaipur has the opportunity to emerge as a global model for sustainable urban transformation rooted in community action, ecological restoration, and innovative circular economy practices.
-Authored By Pragna Chakraborty
