Inle Lake, a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi
District 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), but during the rainy season this can
increase by 5 feet (1.5 m).
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Typical Inle Lake boats moored at the pier.
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Navigating the canals between the floating gardens.
Inle Lake is renowned for its unique agricultural system: floating
gardens.
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The local Intha community has ingeniously built these man-made islands
using local and natural materials.
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Floating warehouse over the floating gardens.
The Intha people create these floating islands by weaving reeds and
plants, primarily using the invasive water hyacinth that grows
abundantly on the lake.
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These gardens serve as productive agricultural plots, allowing the
cultivation of crops directly on the water surface.
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Floating Houses.
Inle Lake is renowned for its floating villages. The local Intha people
have developed a culture and lifestyle intricately tied to the water.
The Intha people reside on the lake in stilt houses. These traditional
bamboo dwellings are elevated above the water, providing several
advantages:
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The bamboo walls allow air and light to pass through, ensuring comfort
in the tropical hot and humid climate. The raised structure allows air
to flow from all sides, and roof overhangs protect against rain.
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Water evaporates, cooling the surrounding air. The lake's high thermal
capacity maintains stable temperatures, keeping the houses cooler
during the day and warmer at night.
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Fewer obstructions on the lake result in higher wind speeds, providing
additional cooling airflow.
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Some newer houses are built with wood and have two stories, but their
more solid walls may reduce comfort and ventilation compared to bamboo
structures.
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Water hyacinth floating over Inle Lake.
Water hyacinth plays both positive and negative roles in the ecosystem.
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Positive Aspects: Locals use water hyacinth to create the floating
gardens on Inle Lake. These gardens serve as fertile plots for growing
crops. The plant provides shelter and habitat for various fish
species.
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Negative Aspects: Water hyacinth is considered an invasive species
because it grows rapidly and can choke waterways. Its dense growth can
block sunlight, affecting other aquatic plants and animals.
Decomposing water hyacinth can reduce water quality by consuming
oxygen during decay.
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Removing water hyacinths by hand.
Authorities and local communities work to manage water hyacinth.
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Regular manual removal of excess water hyacinth helps maintain
navigable water channels.
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Some artisans create handicrafts from dried water hyacinth stems.
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Introducing natural enemies (such as weevils) to control its growth.
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Transporting the collected water hyacinths to the floating
gardens.
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See also
Source
Location
