Tsomiri
Coordinates 32°54'N 78°18'ECoordinates: 32°54'N 78°18'E
Lake type brackish
Primary sources Snow Melt in summer
Primary outflows none
Basin countries India
Max length 19 km
Surface area 120 sq km (12000 ha)
Max depth 40 m
Shore length1 Wet meadows and borax loaded wetlands
Surface elevation 4000-5000 m (4595 m above MSL)
Settlements Leh
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.
Tsomoriri (Official name: Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve) is a High Altitude Lake (HAL) in Ladakh, India. It is situated at a height of 4595 m above MSL. Tsomiri is the largest of the High Altitude Lakes to be situated entirely within India. The Korzok monastery which lies on the western bank of the lake is one of the oldest settlements of the world. (Dept. Of Wildlife Protection, Wildlife Division LAHDC, Undated)
Snow which falls in the region in the winter melts with the coming of summer. As there is an absence of a continuous slope to properly drain the water away, it collects in large brackish lakes that can be found in the region. (Rizvi, 1996)
Tsomiri has been notified under the Ramsar Convention for several reasons. These include:
The lake is unique with respect to the flora and fauna that it sustains
The lake is the breeding ground for a number of species of birds such as Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose and the Ruddy Shelduck.
The wetland is situated in the middle of a cold desert. As a result a number of species of birds and animals frequent the lake to drink.
Threats to the Lake and Flora and Fauna
There are a number of threats to the lake such as
Tsomoriri LakeIncrease in the number of tourists visiting the lake
Construction of a road right up to the lake
An increase in the grazing of Sheep in the wetlands surrounding the lake
The absence of a proper garbage disposal Facility at the lake.
Dogs kept by the people who live near the lake and the Army officer are known to attack the cranes and destroy their eggs.
Jeep safaris have beem known to chase wildlife such as Kiang and approach close to the breeding ground.
