Quetta's Hanna Lake - a fading beauty

Hanna Lake, a popular tourist attraction near Quetta, is drying up because of a prolonged water shortage, leaving stretches of cracked earth where boats once sailed and threatening local businesses dependent on tourism.

Located about 18 kilometres from the Balochistan provincial capital, the lake was once known for its scenic surroundings, boating, water sports and migratory birds. But falling water levels have diminished its appeal, disappointing visitors and raising concerns among boat operators and other tourism-related businesses.

Tourists travelling from other cities said they were dismayed by the lake's deteriorating condition, having expected to see one of Balochistan's best-known natural attractions.

Hanna Lake covers about 1,818 acres and has a reported depth of 43 feet and a storage capacity of around 322 million gallons. A prolonged lack of rainfall and declining water levels have affected its recreational value and natural environment.

The drying lake has also hit people who depend on boating and water sports for their livelihoods. With water-based activities curtailed, operators face declining business and income, adding to concerns about the future of tourism in the area.

The water shortage could also affect the lake's ecosystem, including the arrival and habitat of migratory birds, as well as orchards in nearby areas. Experts warn that sustained declines in natural water reserves can disrupt ecosystems and threaten wildlife and communities that depend on them.

The lake's deterioration highlights the need for better management of available water resources and a viable restoration plan. Measures to address the causes of the shortage and replenish the lake could help protect its ecological value, support local livelihoods and revive tourism.

Hanna Lake is an important part of Quetta's natural heritage. Without timely intervention, its continued decline could deepen the economic and environmental consequences for the surrounding area.