Residents in the Sirmour district of India's northern Himachal Pradesh are deeply concerned over the shrinking of the state's Renuka Lake.

The lake is shrinking due to the deposition of silt and waste materials.

Many feel that the shrinking of the lake will affect local businesses since it’s a major tourist spot.

[Sandeep Sharma, Photographer]: (Male, Hindi)
"A lot of tourists come here to see the natural beauty of this lake. In case it dries up, the business which is generated by this lake will also come to an end."

But steps are being taken to protect the lake, beginning with a ban on plastic bags.

[Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh]: (Male, Hindi)
"In order to protect it, we have banned plastic bags wherever there is a river or a lake, because people throw plastic bags in. This ban should preserve the lake. The society and the government should also come together."

Renuka Lake is considered sacred in northern India. And it is also the largest natural lake in the state.