The Vanishing of the Aral Sea: A Lesson in Environmental Mismanagement
- vidyarthee2021
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Recent research has revealed geological uplift in the dried basin of the Aral Sea, suggesting significant changes since the lake's dramatic disappearance. Once the fourth largest inland saltwater lake in the world, the Aral Sea is now a cautionary example of unsustainable development.
About the Aral Sea
Location: Between Kazakhstan (north) and Uzbekistan (south) in Central Asia.
Fed by: Two major rivers – the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya.
Ecological Role: It was a biodiversity hotspot and supported local fisheries and communities.
Cause of Disappearance
In the Soviet era, the rivers feeding the Aral Sea were diverted for cotton cultivation and irrigation projects.
The result: The sea began shrinking rapidly from the 1960s onward.
By the early 2000s, much of the water had vanished, exposing a toxic seabed.
Current Situation
The former seabed has turned into the Aralkum Desert, one of the world’s newest and most hazardous deserts.
It is now a major source of toxic dust storms, affecting human health, agriculture, and climate in the region.
The Kazakhstan government, with international support, has undertaken some efforts like the Kok-Aral Dam to partially revive the northern Aral Sea.
Why It Matters for UPSC
GS Paper 1: Geography – Drainage patterns, desertification
GS Paper 3: Environment – Human interventions and their impact on natural resources
Essay: Water crisis, ecological restoration, unsustainable development
UPSC Prelims Statement-Based MCQ
Consider the following statements regarding the Aral Sea:
It was once the fourth largest saltwater lake in the world.
The main reason for its shrinking was the diversion of rivers during the Soviet era.
The Amu Darya and the Syr Darya rivers still flow into the Aral Sea uninterrupted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct – The Aral Sea was once the fourth largest inland water body.
Statement 2 is correct – The diversion of rivers was the primary cause of its drying.
Statement 3 is incorrect – The rivers no longer flow uninterrupted into the sea.
UPSC Mains Question
Q. The Aral Sea disaster exemplifies the long-term consequences of unsustainable water resource management. Discuss the ecological, economic, and social implications of this case for developing countries.
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