Lake Dal in Srinagar, India: Application of the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology for the analysis of conservation options

This report presents interim results from a Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) analysis conducted for the government of Jammu & Kashmir to develop a business case for the long-term conservation of Lake Dal in Srinagar, India. The analysis evaluates various scenarios to address anthropogenic pressures—such as untreated sewage, fertilizer runoff, and encroachment—that have caused eutrophication and declining fish stocks.

• The SAVi analysis indicates that current 'business as usual' approaches, as well as specific interventions like a proposed road construction project or treating sewage only from houseboats and lake dwellers, are insufficient or counterproductive for preventing the ecological collapse of Lake Dal and maintaining fishing activities.
• To effectively reduce pollution pressures and generate regional economic benefits, the report recommends a hybrid infrastructure solution. This approach combines sewage treatment upgrades with the construction of an artificial wetland.
• The proposed hybrid infrastructure scenario consists of four simultaneous interventions: creating sewage network connectivity and treatment capacity for inhabitants on the lake's periphery, installing solar photovoltaic systems to ensure emission-free electricity for treatment plants to prevent accidental discharges during power cuts, implementing on-site sewage treatment for houseboats and lake dwellers, and building an artificial wetland.
• The analysis emphasizes the need for urgent, systemic measures to reduce pressures on the lake rather than focusing on treating symptoms of pollution, such as algae growth.

APA

Wuennenberg,, A. B. P. (2018). Lake Dal in Srinagar, India: Application of the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology for the analysis of conservation options. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/lake-dal-srinagar-india-application-sustainable-asset-valuation-savi

Chicago

Wuennenberg,, Andrea Bassi,Oshani Perera,Laurin. Lake Dal in Srinagar, India: Application of the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology for the analysis of conservation options. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2018. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/lake-dal-srinagar-india-application-sustainable-asset-valuation-savi.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Wuennenberg, |first1=Andrea Bassi,Oshani Perera,Laurin |title=Lake Dal in Srinagar, India: Application of the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology for the analysis of conservation options |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=29 December 2018 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/lake-dal-srinagar-india-application-sustainable-asset-valuation-savi |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wuennenberg2018lake, author = {Wuennenberg,, Andrea Bassi,Oshani Perera,Laurin}, title = {{Lake Dal in Srinagar, India: Application of the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) methodology for the analysis of conservation options}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2018}, month = dec, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/lake-dal-srinagar-india-application-sustainable-asset-valuation-savi}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }