The State Government of Rajasthan has unveiled plans to identify new tourist points at the Sambhar Salt Lake. This famous lake is part of the desert circuit under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Introduced by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, this scheme aims at the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits across the country.
The Allure of the Sambhar Salt Lake
Located approximately 80 km southwest of Jaipur in east-central Rajasthan, the Sambhar Salt Lake boasts a unique geographical position. Being the largest inland salt lake in India, it mirrors the depression of the Aravalli Range. The lake was once exploited for its salt supply by the Mughal dynasty during the period of 1526–1857, before being jointly owned by the princely states of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
In 1990, Sambhar Salt Lake was declared a Ramsar Site, marking it as a wetland of international importance. Seasonal changes cause the area and depth of the lake to fluctuate between 190 and 230 sq km and 60 cm to 3 m respectively.
The lake receives water from six rivers – Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh. It’s catchment area is predominantly inhabited by xerophytic type vegetation which thrives under dry conditions
Wildlife at the Sambhar Salt Lake
The lake serves as a natural habitat for a variety of fauna. Flamingoes, pelicans, and waterfowls flock to the region in abundance. Unfortunately, in 2019, the lake witnessed the death of almost 22,000 migratory birds due to avian botulism, a neuromuscular illness.
In response to this, the Rajasthan government decided to build temporary shelters for migratory birds near the lake ahead of the 2020 winter season.
Industry and Infrastructure
The Sambhar Salt Lake is famous for its production of brine/salt. It also hosts one of the largest salt manufacturing units in the country. Tourists can also visit nearby attractions such as the Shakambari Devi temple and the Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rajasthan Government’s Vision for the Future
The state government plans to identify new tourist spots around the lake where visitors can witness the local flora and fauna and observe the process of salt harvesting. Furthermore, the government plans to reinitiate the operation of the “salt train”, which once transported salt from the pans to a refinery nearby.
They have plans to introduce new destinations around the lake including a salt museum, a caravan park, bicycle track, and gardens. The government will also take stringent action against illegal salt production in the lake, unauthorized borewells, and pipeline systems in the region as well as remove encroachments on the land with police assistance.
