Chamba
at Glance
River
System
Intervening Valleys
Wild Life Sanctuaries
Destination
Churah
Lakes
Wild Animals in Chamba
Endangered Species in Chamba
Birds with there altitudinal distribution
Destination
Dalhousie
Destination
Khajjiar
There are no large-sized lakes in Chamba district. There are, however, a few bodies of standing water which have appreciable size. One artificial lake known as Chamera lake has now come into existence in Chamba district as a consequence of Chamera Hydroelectric project. The lake extends from the dam site at Chauhra as far back as Rajnagar. All lakes natural or artificial are described below.
Khajjiar lake lies 32°26¢
north and 76°
32¢east
about 6300 feet above sea level between Chamba and Dalhousie. Its area is
approximately 5000 sq. yards but is constantly under threat from weeds. The
average depth of the lake is sitated to be thirteen feet as per District
Gazetteer. For the local people this lake holds sacredness and they beleive
that it is unfathomable. The lake takes its name from Khajji Nag, the deity
in the temple nearby. It is set in huge grassy glade with surroundings of
evergreen cedars. The whole ensemble makes one think of a piece of sapphire
set in the background of gold and emerald.
Located in the Budhil valley of
Bharmaur at the foot of Manimahesh Kalish, the abode of Lord Shiva, this
lake is the highest in the hierarchy of sacred waters of Chamba. The tarn of
Manimahesh is situated at an altitude of about 13,000 feet, 32 23 north and
76 40 east. The tarn is smaller than the tarn of Khajjiar lake but is the
most sacred. It is a great source of pilgrimage during Radha-asthmi and
Janamashtmi every year when pilgrims from far and wide assemble for a holy
dip here.
The Chamera Hydel Project-Stage I is located on the river Ravi, District Chamba H.P. The project is situated at Churah-23 Kms from Bani-Khet, while the power house is located at Khairi on the confluance of the river Seva and river Ravi. When completed it will produce 540 Mega Watt of electricity. The project is nearing completion and the diversion tunnel has been plugged. Thus, the resultant lake is now under creation.
The project is linked with the
nearest rail-head at Pathankot by a 97 kms long road. The Dam site is 36 kms
from Dalhousie and located at a height of approximately 892 mtrs above sea
level. At its top the Dam is 765 mtrs. High. The Dam site enjoy very sharp
fluctuations in climate between April to June. During the day
it can get very hot (around 35 degree centigrade) though by the evening,
temperatures fall to between 18 to 20 degree centigrade. Between July and
September the area received mdetate to heavy rainfall and temperatures vary
below 20 to 26 centigrade during the day and 8 to 12 centigrade at night
time. The project area enjoys a maximum of around 15 degree centigrade
between October and December and some times the temparature are known to
fall below freezing point. While the project area generally does not receive
any snow-fall, for the last three years hoeever, even the river bed area has
been receiving atleast one snow-fall. From July to March the weather remains
cold with some light to moderate precipitation.
At the altitude of 12,000 feet, thirty miles east of Chamba proper near the historic Balaini pass, lie a group of seven tarns. The last and seventh in series constitutes the main Lama Dal. This tarn is the largest in this group and also throughout the district. It has an approximate circumference of one and half miles. Its depth and water content remains unestimated. For the reason of its being largest it is known as a Lamba Dal (long lake); however, this is pronouced as Lama Dal by the local people. There is small Shiva temple at the lake. The main lake serves the purpose of a sacred place for the surrounding villages.
Situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet and sixteen miles from Tisa, the headquarters of Churah tehsil, this lake is circular in shape and is roughly half a mile in circumference. Beside this lake also stands a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and thus the place has acquired a holy significance.
Maha Kali Dal (lake)
This tarn is situated at an
altitude of 12,000 feet where the boundries of the parganas
of Saho and Gudial of Chamba tehsil and Chanju of Churah tehsil meet. It is
surrounded by wild meadows and peaks and is smaller than Lama Dal but larger
than Khajjiar and Manimahesh lakes. The lake is dedicated to Goddess Maha
Kali and, therefore, attaches a great significance and sacredness.