Pakistan’s largest freshwater reservoir, Manchar Lake, is rapidly drying up, with over 2 km of its area turning into barren land and sandstorms now blowing across exposed beds, locals and activists said.

Spread over 23.5 sq km, the lake sustains thousands of families in Sehwan and surrounding areas through fishing, farming and tourism. But continuous decline in water levels has left the lake in distress.

Officials said the water level has dropped to 106 RL, just 6 feet, against its normal depth of up to 5 meters, 16 feet. The receding water has exposed large tracts of land where sand now blows freely, resembling a desert rather than a lake. Fish stocks are nearing collapse, cutting off the livelihood of fishermen who now face hunger and poverty. Boats have stopped operating due to shallow water, and tourist arrivals have fallen sharply.

Farmers around the lake said their lands have turned barren without irrigation water, while more than 30,000 residents in nearby settlements are struggling for drinking and agricultural water.

Members of Manchar Bachao Ittehad staged a protest at Manchar Bund demanding immediate restoration of the lake.