School series lake 27

 Lakes of India — 5

Sambhar — The Lake That Makes Salt

In the dry landscape of Rajasthan lies Sambhar Lake, India's largest inland salt lake.

At first glance, it may look like an enormous sheet of water. But Sambhar has a remarkable secret:

It makes salt.

Several seasonal streams bring water into the lake. The intense heat of Rajasthan causes much of the water to evaporate, leaving behind the salt. For centuries, people have harvested this natural salt.

The lake also becomes a spectacular destination for migratory birds. Flamingos and many other waterbirds arrive here, turning the stark landscape into a scene full of life.

And there is something fascinating about its appearance.

The lake does not always look like a conventional lake. During the dry season, vast salt pans and glistening white surfaces can stretch across the landscape.

So Sambhar is not simply a lake holding water.

Water enters.

The sun takes the water away.

Salt remains.

Birds arrive.

People harvest.

Nature has created, right in the middle of Rajasthan's arid landscape, a giant natural salt-making factory.

One lake. One sun. One extraordinary natural process.