Srinagar water bodies to be restored to their original glory says DC Srinagar
By: Muzamil Bhat CK
Srinagar
The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad along with other concerned officials inspected the restoration work being carried out in and around different water bodies in Kashmir including Lake, Khushaal sar, Gilsar and Nalah-e-Amir Khan.
He has asked his officials to take strict action against all the people who are dumping the solid waste into these water bodies and has said that the government will be monitoring the restoration work periodically so that these water bodies are restored to their original glory.
Srinagar city is bestowed by nature with a lot of water bodies including Dal Lake and other lakes which were today visited by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar.
Restoration work on these lakes has been started anew in the recent past and most of the environmentalists have suggested to the government to bring some foreign company which has restored water bodies at the global level to Kashmir so that these water bodies are preserved for the future generations.
Meanwhile, according to KNT while reporting the visit of DC Srinagar has said in the report that during the visit, the DC interacting with the local people said Community participation is must for restoring the pristine glory of these water bodies. He said local communities are actual guardians and have a vital role in identification of encroachments and conservation of these historical water bodies. He also passed on several directions with regard to beautification and landscaping of the water bodies.
The DC asked the concerned to take all necessary measures for cleaning the accumulated waste to make all water bodies navigable to pave way for starting inland water transport along these bodies. He said one of the purposes of the restoration measures is to restore the original water navigation circuit in Srinagar district. The restoration of these water bodies not only enhance the scenic beauty and environment of the areas but also generate ample opportunities of employment for local youth.
The Vice Chairman, LAWDA said we are focusing on restoring the channel till Nala Ameer Khan and efforts are on to continue the cleaning process.
The choked channel was cleaned to a major extent making it possible to navigate through it in a boat.He said Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Pokhribal, Gilsar, Khushal Sar and Anchar are all connected by this channel and if it kept clean, the ecosystem will improve a lot.
Social worker and chairman of Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo assured the DC that all public support is at the back of administration to bring back to life the dead water bodies in Srinagar. He said while administration and local community are on the job to clean the channel, it is ultimately the people who have to understand and stop throwing garbage in these water bodies.
The Deputy Commissioner urged the concerned to speed up the pace of work undertaken for de-weeding and cleaning of these water bodies. He also directed the officers to complete the demarcation process to remove all illegal constructions.
With inputs from KNT
