The lake was created by constructing a dam across the Darbhawati River, between Khilagarh hills and the hilly areas of Nahargarh, in the 16th century.

The outlet end of the dam feeds a large irrigation system (obligatory water demand for this is reported to be 2,410,000 cubic metres during the five months from November to March).

Two large nalas (streams) that also drain the surrounding Nahargarh hills and Jaipur are the Brahmpuri and Nagtalai, which bring in untreated sewage, in addition to sediment run-offs of unpaved streets.

[2][3][4][5] The Aravalli hills surrounding the lake area, towards the north east of Jaipur, have quartzite rock formations (with a thin layer of soil cover).

From the north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex sits, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge.

Forest denudation, particularly in the hilly areas, has caused soil erosion, compounded by wind and water action.

From the north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex is situated, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge.

Forest denudation, particularly in the hilly areas, has caused soil erosion, compounded by wind and water action.

The then ruler of Amer was, therefore, motivated to build a dam to store water to overcome the severe hardships caused by the famine to the inhabitants.

The silt deposited (estimated to be about 2,500,000 cubic metres) was contaminated with effluents (untreated sewage) from the city's drainage system causing intense eutrophication.

From the north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex is situated, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge.

The low vegetation cover and steep gradient of the hills causes substantial erosion and the eroded material flows into the lake.

[5] The lake used to be a bird watcher's paradise in the past and was a favourite ground for the Rajput kings of Jaipur for royal duck shooting parties during picnics.

The lake was natural habitat for more than 150 species of local and migratory birds that included large flamingo, great crested grebe, pintail, pochards, kestrel, coot, redshank, marsh sandpiper, ruff, herring gull, red-breasted flycatcher, grey wagtail, but their numbers declined with the deterioration of the lake.

[3][9] In order to attract attention to the lake's condition, a private initiative of holding an annual birding fair was started in 1997.