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News: The three-day “Khelo India Water Sports Festival” has begun at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
About Dal Lake
- Location : It is mid-altitude urban lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
- It is known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
- It is also called the “Lake of Flowers”, and among the world’s largest natural lakes.
- The shoreline features a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels.
- It is divided into four basins by causeways: Gagribal, Lokut Dal (with Rup Lank/Char Chinari island), Bod Dal (with Sona Lank island) and Nagin (sometimes considered a separate lake).
- It is famous for its floating market, where vendors sell products from traditional wooden boats (Shikaras).
- The lake is an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
About Khelo India Water Sports Festival
- Organisers: Conducted jointly by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the J&K Sports Council.
- It is part of the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat’ policy.
- Objectives:
- Promote grassroots sports.
- Generate livelihood opportunities.
- Rejuvenate local infrastructure.
- Unique Features:
- First consolidated open-age category championship.
- Includes all 14 kayaking and canoeing events and 10 rowing events – all of which are Olympic disciplines.
