Dal Lake is one of the world's largest natural lakes. In 1200 AD, the lake covered an area of 75 sq km. By the 1980s, only 25 sq. km survived, and today this lake stretches over barely 12 sq. km.

Unplanned urbanisation and spiralling population have resulted in severe water crisis in Delhi. The state-run water utility, DJB, is fighting a losing battle to plug the gap between demand and supply. Majority of the citizens depend primarily on groundwater to meet their daily requirements, as DJB’s service is inadequate and erratic.

Naini Lake is a natural freshwater lake, of tectonic origin, located amidst Nainital city of Uttarakhand. It is lunar-shaped and has an outlet at the south eastern end. Naini Lake is one of the four lakes in Kumaon hills, the three other being Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake and Naukuchiyatal Lake. Balia Nala is the main feeder-stream of the lake.

Bhimtal, is the largest of all the lakes covering 72 ha. Lake Naukuchia tal is the deepest of all, with a maximum of 40.8 m. The lake region of Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Sattal is unique for its biodiversity since it falls in the blend zone of Paleastic and Indo-Malayan zoo-geography.

Ecological degradation begun in this lake due to excessive inflow of sediments and sewage from surrounding areas and pollution caused by dumping of solid waste in the water body. From time unknown the villagers of Khurpa tal (leaving downhill of the lake) is dependent on the springs generated below the Khurpa tal.

The Chandola Lake, spread over an area of 1200 hectare, has dried up due to neglect. The government has allowed large-scale encroachment on this water body. It is being for agriculture, as well as for other purposes like processing of waste oil and plastics. Kharicut, the lake’s feeder canal is choked with filth and garbage.

Udaipur has faced water scarcity from its inception, due to its geographical location. The Hindu monarchs who ruled the city built an array of artificial lakes to ensure regular water supply for their subjects. They were taken care of not only by the administration but also the local people.

Powai Lake is an artificial lake, situated in the northern suburb of Mumbai. The lake was created in 1891 by constructing dam between two hillocks across Mithi River. Catchment area of the lake is about 600 hectors and water spread area at full supply level is 220 hectors. The lake water is used for non-potable purposes i.e. gardening and industrial use.

The Charkop Lake is located in Kandivli (West), Mumbai and is more than 50 years old. Sweet water was once used for potable purposes. Now it is used as 'Ganpati Imersion' talao (lake), where all local devotees gather during Ganpati festival. This lake is not only an important bird area, but also home for a host of fauna, contributing to the ecological and hydrological balance of the area.

Rabindra Sarobar Lake, previously known as Dhakuria Lake, is an artificial lake in south Kolkata. This is Kolkata’s only national lake is spread over 48 hectares and comprises several smaller water bodies. It was dug in 1920s to provide soil for filling up the low-lying areas of Ballygunge, which was at that time being made habitable by the Calcutta Improvement Trust.