Ajmer's Gudolav Lake Lost Its Famous Water Chestnut Farming Due to Water Pollution and Fish

Gudolav Lake in Kishangarh was once famous for water chestnut farming, but pollution and fish destroyed the crops, leaving local farmers struggling for livelihoods.

Gudolav Lake, situated in the Kishangarh region of Ajmer district in Rajasthan, was once widely celebrated for its thriving water chestnut cultivation. The water chestnuts grown in this reservoir held a distinct reputation for their superior quality and unique taste. The supply from this region was not restricted merely to Kishangarh and Ajmer, but extended to markets across several prominent districts in Rajasthan. This lake served as the primary livelihood foundation for hundreds of local families and farmers, providing them with regular employment and economic stability.

As time progressed, the condition of the lake deteriorated significantly, leading to the complete cessation of water chestnut farming here roughly 15 to 20 years ago. A local resident named Kaushalya, who used to cultivate chestnuts in the lake, stated that about 17 years ago she invested a heavy cost of nearly four lakh rupees to plant water chestnut saplings. However, the fish present in the lake completely destroyed the crop, causing her to suffer massive financial losses. Due to the continuously worsening water quality and repeated setbacks, local farmers gradually distanced themselves completely from this traditional farming.

Severe Impact on Local Livelihoods and Growing External Reliance
According to a local resident named Meera, the halt of farming in Gudolav Lake has created a livelihood crisis for numerous families. Local farmers are now forced by circumstances to rent land in other regions to carry out farming, which has substantially increased their production costs. Furthermore, to maintain the supply of water chestnuts in the local markets of Kishangarh, people now have to depend on external areas such as Kekri and Masuda. The lake that once provided people with employment at their doorstep and exceptional yields is today weeping over its own neglect.

Urgent Need for Lake Restoration and Water Quality Improvement
Local residents and farmers believe that if the administration implements arrangements for treating the dirty water of the lake and ensuring better drainage, water chestnut cultivation can be revived here once again. Resolving the contaminated water issue will not only improve the environment but also restore employment avenues for local people. The Gudolav Lake, whose example was once cited for sweetness and prosperity, is in dire need of being rescued from governmental apathy and brought back to life.

What this means for you
The decline of Gudolav Lake and the halt of farming have directly impacted local farmers and market supplies in the region.

• Effect on local farmers: Having lost their ancestral source of income, farmers are now forced to rent expensive land in other regions to farm.
• Financial losses: Due to crop destruction, farmers had to bear heavy initial investment losses reaching up to four lakh rupees.
• Market dependency: Meeting the demand for water chestnuts in Kishangarh markets now requires reliance on external areas like Kekri and Masuda.
• Livelihood crisis: With the primary income source of hundreds of families gone, individuals are forced to seek alternative employment.

Why this happened
The cessation of water chestnut farming in Gudolav Lake was primarily caused by continuous water contamination and the increasing impact of aquatic life. Due to administrative apathy, proper drainage and cleaning arrangements were never established.

• Water contamination: The quality of the lake water degraded heavily, and the inflow of polluted water began destroying the crops.
• Impact of fish: The fish present in the lake completely chewed up and destroyed the planted water chestnut saplings.
• Administrative neglect: No concrete steps were taken in time for water treatment and the restoration of the lake.
• Financial distress: Facing repeated losses and heavy costs, farmers eventually abandoned this cultivation entirely.

Questions & Answers

1. Where is Gudolav Lake located?
Gudolav Lake is located in the Kishangarh area of Ajmer district in Rajasthan.

2. Why did water chestnut farming stop in Kishangarh?
Farming stopped due to polluted lake water and fish destroying the crops.

3. How much loss did Kaushalya incur in farming?
Kaushalya had invested about four lakh rupees nearly seventeen years ago, which was entirely lost.

4. Where are water chestnuts sourced from for Kishangarh now?
Water chestnuts are now sourced from external areas like Kekri and Masuda to meet market demand.

5. What do the farmers hope for?
Local residents believe that farming can restart if the administration arranges for water treatment.

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