Inle Lake

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Inle Lake
Inle Lake (Myanmar).jpg
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Inle Lake
Location Shan State
Coordinates 20°33′N96°55′E / 20.550°N 96.917°E / 20.550; 96.917
Type Polymictic lake
Primary outflows Nam Pilu
Basin  countriesMyanmar
Surface area44.9 sq mi (116 km2)
Average depth5 ft (1.5 m) (dry season)
Max. depth12 ft (3.7 m) (dry season; +5 ft in monsoon season)
Surface elevation2,900 ft (880 m)
Official nameInlay Lake Ramsar Site
Designated5 December 1974
Reference no.2356 [1]
Myanmar location map.svg
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Inle Lake
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Location of Inle Lake

Inle Lake (Burmese : အင်းလေးကန်; MLCTS : ang: le: kan, [ʔɪ́ɰ̃lékàɰ̃] ), a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar, with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an elevation of 2,900 feet (880 m). During the dry season, the average water depth is 7 feet (2.1 m), with the deepest point being 12 feet (3.7 m). During the rainy season, this can increase by 5 feet (1.5 m).

Contents

The watershed area for the lake lies to a large extent to the north and west of the lake. The lake drains through the Nam Pilu or Balu Chaung on its southern end. There is also a hot spring on its northwestern shore.

Large sections of the lake are covered by floating plants. Its clear and slightly alkaline waters (pH 7.8–8) are home to a diverse fauna and many species found nowhere else in the world (endemics). [2] There are more than 35 native species of fish, including 17 endemics. Some of these, notably the Sawbwa barb, red dwarf rasbora, emerald dwarf rasbora, Lake Inle danio, Inle loach and the Inle snakehead, are of minor commercial importance for the aquarium trade. Several fish that are not native have been introduced. [2] [3] Additionally, the lake is home to about 45 species of freshwater snails, 30 of them endemic, [2] along with a small endemic freshwater crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica. [4] It hosts approximately 20,000 migratory gulls in November to January. [5]

In June 2015, it became Myanmar's first designated place of World Network of Biosphere Reserves. [6] It was one of 20 places added at the Unesco's 27th Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council (ICC) meeting. [7] Since 2018 it has been designated as a protected Ramsar site. [1] Today the lake's environment is under serious pressure due to pollution, siltation, eutrophication, overfishing and introduced species, including the highly invasive water hyacinth. The endemic predatory fish Systomus compressiformis might already be extinct. [2]

People and culture

The people of Inle Lake (see Intha), live in four cities bordering the lake, in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.

Transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, or by somewhat larger boats fitted with single cylinder inboard diesel engines. Local fishermen are known for practicing a distinctive rowing style which involves standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved out of necessity as the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants, making it difficult to see above them while sitting. Standing provides the rower with a view beyond the reeds. However, the leg rowing style is only practiced by the men. Women row in the customary style, using the oar with their hands, sitting cross legged at the stern.

Fish caught from the lake have been a staple of the local diet. The Inle carp ( Cyprinus intha, called nga hpein locally) has historically been the most abundant but today is seriously threatened. [2] [8] A popular local dish is htamin gyin - 'fermented' rice kneaded with fish and/or potato - served with hnapyan gyaw (lit. 'twice-fried Shan tofu '). In addition to fishing, locals grow vegetables and fruit in large gardens that float on the surface of the lake. The floating garden beds are formed by extensive manual labor. The farmers gather up lake-bottom weeds from the deeper parts of the lake, bring them back in boats and make them into floating beds in their garden areas, anchored by bamboo poles. These gardens rise and fall with changes in the water level, and so are resistant to flooding. The constant availability of nutrient-laden water results in these gardens being incredibly fertile. Rice cultivation and consumption is also significant facet of the local diet and agricultural tradition.

Environmental concerns

Inle Lake is suffering from the environmental effects of increased population and rapid growth in both agriculture and tourism. During the 65-year period from 1935 to 2000, the net open water area of Inle Lake decreased from 69.10 square kilometres (26.68 sq mi) to 46.69 square kilometres (18.03 sq mi), a loss of 32.4%, with development of floating garden agriculture, which occurs largely on the west side of the lake (a practice introduced in the 1960s). [9]

Lumber removal and unsustainable cultivation practices (slash and burn farming techniques) on the hills surrounding the lake are causing ever-increasing amounts of silt and nutrients to run off into the rivers that feed the lake, especially along its western and northern watershed areas. This silt fills up the lake; the nutrients encourage the growth of weeds and algae. More important however is the development of floating garden agriculture, largely along the western side of the lake. This practice encroaches into the diminishing area of the lake, since over time, the floating beds become solid ground. About 93% – nearly 21 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi) – of the recent loss in open water area of the lake, largely along its western side, is thought to be due to this agricultural practice. Direct environmental impacts associated with these combined agricultural activities within the wetlands and surrounding hills of the lake include sedimentation, eutrophication, and pollution. [9]

The water hyacinth, a plant not native to the lake, also poses a major problem. It grows rapidly, filling up the smaller streams and large expanses of the lake, robbing native plants and animals of nutrients and sunlight. At one time, all boats coming into Nyaung Shwe were required to bring in a specified amount of water hyacinth. Over the past twenty years, large-scale use of dredges and pumps has been employed with some success in controlling the growth of this plant. On a smaller scale, public awareness education and small-scale control have also been successful.

Another cause for concern is the planned introduction of non-native fish species, such as the Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) intended to improve fishery.

Sanitation in the villages around the lake is an ongoing concern for public health authorities, due to untreated sewage (with 72% of households using open pits, not latrines) and waste water flowing into the lake. [10] To ensure fresh and clean water, some villages now have enclosed wells and public access to the well water. Some studies of the lake's surface water quality indicates that the water is not safe for consumption. [10] Water from Inle Lake has dissolved oxygen ranges lower than those necessary for fisheries and aquatic life, while nitrite, nitrate and phosphate ranges are unusually high. [10]

Noise pollution is also a noticeable issue. The noise from the cheaper poorly muffled diesel engines driving the stern drive propellers is significant, and can be a distraction to the otherwise tranquil lake.

The summer of 2010 registered very high temperatures causing the water level of the lake to drop so low, the lowest in nearly 50 years, that drinking water had to be fetched from elsewhere and the floating market was in danger of disappearing. [11] One other serious consequence was that the hydroelectric plant at Lawpita, where the former capital Yangon received its power supply from, could not operate at its full capacity. [12]

In 2015, the United Nations added Inle lake to its World Network Biosphere Reserves. There are a total of 651 sites in 120 countries on this network, but Inle Lake is the first biosphere reserve to be added for Myanmar. [13]

Tourism

Boat carrying tourists Inle Lake Burma 1.jpg
Boat carrying tourists
Religious event in Inle Lake Inle 09.jpg
Religious event in Inle Lake

Inle Lake is a major tourist attraction, and this has led to some development of tourist infrastructure. Many small and large privately owned hotels and tour operations have arisen during the past few years. Local shops are flooded with consumer items, both local and foreign. The nearest airport is Heho Airport which is 35 kilometres (22 mi) away. There are flights from both Yangon and Mandalay. Yangon is 660 kilometres (410 mi) away by road and Mandalay is 330 kilometres (210 mi).

A number of festivals occur from August to October on Inle Lake and in the surrounding areas. The ceremonial Hpaung Daw U Festival, which lasts for a total of 18 days, is closely followed by the Thadingyut Festival of lights. Inthas and Shan turn out in their best clothes in great numbers to celebrate the Buddhist Lent. Traditional boat racing, with dozens of leg-rowers in traditional Shan dress compete on teams with a team on each boat. These boat races are locally one of the most anticipated affairs during the Hpaung Daw U Festival. [14]

One of the tourist attractions in the village on the lake itself is the traditional silversmithing, which has fed into the local tourist economy. The silver is brought in from the mines that line the hills surrounding the lake and is boated into the village. Almost all the houses in the village on the lake itself sit on stilts and are made of woven bamboo. Tourists can satisfy their need for trinkets and memorable tokens by observing the silver being smithed and purchase items on-site. If silversmithing doesn't interest a visitor there are also local silk workshops that operate on the lake in a very similar manner as the silversmiths. [15] Handmade goods for local use and trading are another source of commerce. Typical products include tools, carvings and other ornamental objects, textiles, and cheroots. A local market serves most common shopping needs and is held daily but the location of the event rotates through five different sites around the lake area, thus each of them hosting an itinerant market every fifth day. [16] When held on the lake itself, trading is conducted from small boats. This 'floating-market' event tends to emphasize tourist trade much more than the other four.

The Inle lake area is renowned for its weaving industry. The Shan-bags, used daily by many Burmese as a tote-bag, are produced in large quantities here. Silk-weaving is another very important industry, producing high-quality hand-woven silk fabrics of distinctive design called Inle longyi. A unique traditional fabric called lotus silk, made from the lotus plant fibers, is produced only at Inle Lake and in Cambodia and was used for weaving special robes for Buddha called kya thingan (lotus robe). [17]

While hot air balloon flights are more popular in Bagan, they are also provided over Inle Lake with Balloons Over Bagan. [18] There is also a winery near the lake, called Red Mountain Estate. [19] [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Floating island</span> Island (natural or artificial) made of floating plants, mud, and peat

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taunggyi</span> Capital of Shan State, Myanmar

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<i>Devario auropurpureus</i> Species of fish

Devario auropurpureus is a small species of danionin fish endemic to Lake Inle in Myanmar. It is a schooling species associated with submerged vegetation. It is harvested for aquarium trade, and usually sold under the older name Inlecypris auropurpurea. This species has also been found for sale under the common name "Lake Inle Trout Danio" in some tropical fish retailers.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yawnghwe</span> Shan state in Burma (1359–1959)

Yawnghwe, known as Nyaungshwe in Burmese, was a Shan state in what is today Myanmar. It was one of the most important of the Southern Shan States. Yawnghwe state included the Inle Lake. The administrative capital was Taunggyi, located in the northern part of the state. The Agent of the British government, the Superintendent of the Southern Shan States, resided at Taunggyi and the king's palace was at Yawnghwe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intha people</span> Ethnic group

The Intha are members of a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group living around Inle Lake. There are around 100,000 to 200,000 Intha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phaung Daw U Pagoda</span> Prominent Buddhist Pagoda on Inle Lake, Myanmar

Phaung Daw U Pagoda, also spelt Phaung Daw Oo or Hpaung Daw Oo, is a notable Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, located in the village of Ywama on Inle Lake in Shan State. The pagoda is the site of a major annual pagoda festival during which the temple's principal Buddha images are circulated on a royal barge across Inle Lake.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inlay Lake Wetland Sanctuary</span>

Inlay Lake Wetland Sanctuary is a protected area in Myanmar's Shan State, covering an area of 533.73 km2 (206.07 sq mi) surrounding Inle Lake. It ranges in elevation from 830 to 1,270 m, stretching over Nyaungshwe, Pinlaung and Pekon Townships. It was gazetted in 1985 to protect habitats for migratory birds. In 2003, it was designated as one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks, and in 2015 as the first Biosphere Reserve in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ywama</span> Village in Shan State, Burma

Ywama village, also known as Heya Ywama, is located on the western side of Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township, Taunggyi District, Shan State, Myanmar. The village is most easily accessible by boat from the town of Nyaung Shwe on the north side of the lake.

Cyprinus intha is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Cyprinus. The species is endemic to Inle Lake, a large, isolated freshwater lake on the Shan Plateau in eastern Myanmar. It is considered to be endangered, among other reasons, because of widespread hybridization with introduced Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Htamin jin</span> Burmese dish of fermented rice

Htamin jin is a Burmese dish of fermented rice. It is the regional specialty and signature dish of the Intha people of Inle Lake in Shan State, Myanmar.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red dwarf rasbora</span> Species of fish

Red dwarf rasbora is a species of cyprinid found endemic to Lake Inle in Shan State in Myanmar. It belongs to the genus Microrasbora, which contains two small species of danionins.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotus silk</span> Type of textile

Lotus silk is a type of textile produced using delicate lotus stem fibers. The fabric first originated in Myanmar (Burma) and is now largely produced in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Some small cottage workshops start experimenting in Vietnam and India as well. Due to the complexity and labor-intensive nature of weaving lotus fibers, lotus silk is considered one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. Lotus silk uses fibres from a specific variety of lotus called padonma kya (ပဒုမ္မာကြာ), which produces large, fragrant pink flowers.

Dailab Lake is located in Banswara, Rajasthan, India, and is known for its serene beauty and year-round bloom of lotus flowers. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and boating. Dailab Lake has cultural significance in Banswara and plays an important role in the local ecology.

References

  1. 1 2 "Inlay Lake Ramsar Site". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Allen, D.J.; K.G. Smith; W.R.T. Darwall, eds. (2012). The status and distribution of freshwater biodiversity in Indo-Burma. Cambridge, UK and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. pp. 62, 67, 130–131. ISBN   978-2-8317-1424-0.
  3. ↑ Miao, W.; S.D. Silva; B. Davy, eds. (2010). Inland Fisheries Enhancement and Conservation in Asia. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. pp. 95–96. ISBN   978-92-5-106751-2.
  4. ↑ Ng, P.K.L.; W. Mar; D.C.J. Yeo (2020). "On the taxonomy of the endemic Inle Lake crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica (Kemp, 1918) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) of Myanmar". Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 68 (452): 453–463. doi:10.26107/RBZ-2020-0063.
  5. ↑ [ permanent dead link ] Page 16 Col 1
  6. ↑ Aye Sapay Phyu. "Inle Lake joins UN list of biosphere sites". mmtimes.com/. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  7. ↑ "Inle Lake designated biosphere reserve". nationmultimedia.com/. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  8. ↑ Vidthayanon, C. (2011). "Cyprinus intha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T180896A7654388. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T180896A7654388.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  9. 1 2 Roy C. Sidle, Alan D. Ziegler and John B. Vogler (April 2007). "Contemporary changes in open water surface area of Lake Inle, Myanmar". Sustainability Science. 2 (1): 55–65. Bibcode:2007SuSc....2...55S. doi:10.1007/s11625-006-0020-7. ISSN   1862-4065. S2CID   154707918.
  10. 1 2 3 Fumiko, Akaishi; Motoyoshi Satake; Masahiro Otaki; Noriko Tominaga (13 April 2006). "Surface water quality and information about the environment surrounding Inle Lake in Myanmar". Limnology. 7 (1). Japanese Society of Limnology: 57–61. Bibcode:2006Limno...7...57A. doi:10.1007/s10201-006-0165-1. S2CID   35121269.
  11. ↑ Ko Htwe. "Electricity for Businesses Cut Off in Rangoon". The Irrawaddy, May 17, 2010. Archived from the original on May 19, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-17.
  12. ↑ Ba Kaung. "Businesses May Close Because of Power Cuts". The Irrawaddy, May 21, 2010. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-29.
  13. ↑ Sapay Phyu, Aye (June 11, 2015). "Inle Lake Joins UN List of Biosphere Sites". Myanmar Times. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Inle Lake Myanmar". Archived from the original on 2004-11-02.
  15. ↑ "Myanmar's Traditional Silversmiths Shine On". MyanmarBurma.com. September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-11-07. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Fifth day markets". JourneysMyanmar. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
  17. ↑ "The Elegant and Sacred Lotus Robe". Myanmar Travel Information. 2006. Archived from the original on 2006-12-18. Retrieved 2007-02-18.
  18. ↑ "Balloons Over Bagan the Pioneer in Myanmar by Memories Group". www.balloonsoverbagan.com.
  19. ↑ "Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery". www.redmountain-estate.com.
  20. ↑ Once in a Lifetime Journey. "The Ultimate Guide to Inle Lake".
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