List of Lakes in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the heart of India, boasts a diverse geographical landscape characterized by plains, plateaus, mountain ranges, rivers, and dense forests. Among its many geographical features, lakes hold a significant place, serving multiple purposes such as fisheries, irrigation, and religious significance. In this article, we delve into the lakes of Madhya Pradesh, focusing on Ramsar sites and other important water bodies across the state.

Lakes in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh boasts a rich abundance of lakes, contributing to its diverse geographical and ecological landscape. From the famous Bhoj Wetlands, including the Upper and Lower Lakes in Bhopal, to lesser-known gems like Shahpura Lake and Ranguan Lake, these water bodies serve various purposes such as irrigation, tourism, and biodiversity conservation, making them integral parts of the state’s natural heritage.

Ramsar Sites of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh hosts four Ramsar sites, recognized as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. These sites play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting various ecosystems. Let’s explore them:

Bhoj Wetlands:

• Location: Bhopal
• Total Area: 31 Square Kilometers
• Comprised of Bhojtal (Upper Lake) and Lower Lake
• Upper Lake:
• Constructed by Paramara King Bhoj, ruler of Malwa
• Surrounded by Van Vihar National Park, agricultural fields, and human settlements
• Drains into the Kaliasot River

Lower Lake:

• Constructed by Nawab Chhote Khan in 1794
• Drains into the Halali River via the Kolans River
• Significance: Plays a vital role in the city’s ecosystem and water supply

Sirpur Lake:

• Location: Indore
• Total Area: 800 acres
• Construction: Built by the Holkars of Indore State in the early 20th century
• Significance: Recognized as an important bird area, contributing to biodiversity conservation

Yashwant Sagar:

• Location: Indore district
• Area: Approximately 2,650 hectares
• Construction: Created in 1939 on the Gambhir river
• Significance: Supplies water to Indore city; designated as an important bird area

Sankhya Sagar:

• Location: Shivpuri, Inside Madhav National Park
• Construction: Created from the Manier river in 1918
• Significance: Integral part of the national park ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity conservation

Other Famous Lakes of Madhya Pradesh

Apart from Ramsar sites, Madhya Pradesh is home to numerous other lakes, each with its unique characteristics and significance. Here are some notable ones:

• Shahpura Lake (Bhopal): Man-made lake constructed in 1974-75, contributing to the city’s landscape and water resources.
• Ranguan Lake (Chhatarpur District): Situated at the confluence of the Ken and Simri Rivers, offering picturesque views and supporting local ecosystems.
• Benisagar Lake (Khajuraho): Located near the famous town of Khajuraho, serving as a recreational spot and contributing to local tourism.
• Lakh Banjara Lake (Sagar): Constructed in 1820 and deepened during the famine of 1900, providing water for irrigation and supporting local flora and fauna.

List of Lakes in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh hosts a plethora of lakes, including Sangram Sagar, Tawa Reservoir, and Rani Lake, adding to its scenic beauty and serving various ecological and recreational purposes.

Here is the list of lakes in Madhya Pradesh:

Lakes	City
Sangram Sagar Lake and Jalpari Lake	Jabalpur
Tawa Reservoir	Hoshangabad
Halali Reservoir	Span over Bhopal, Raisen and Vidisha District
Rani Lake	Rewa
Teliya Lake	Mandsaur
Morwan Reservoir	Neemuch
Nahchun Lake	Khandwa
Munshi Hussain Khan Talab	Bhopal
Lendiya Talab	Bhopal
Motia Talab	Bhopal
Nawab Siddique Hasan Khan Talab	Bhopal
Munj Sagar Lake	Dhar
Dharam Sagar Lake	Panna