*Flushing difficult due to low water levels: LCMA
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Sept 19: In a concerning turn of events, the twin lakes of Khushal Sar and Gilsar, which recently exhibited a pristine appearance with gushing water streams after concerted conservation efforts, are now grappling with a severe Azolla infestation.
While the situation has raised serious concerns over the lack of long-term conservation efforts by the authorities, the locals have reported observing the invasion of Azolla in both lakes over the past two weeks, with the problem persisting.
One concerned resident, Riyaz Ahmad, lamented the deteriorating condition of the lakes, saying, “See what has become of them now; just some time ago, you would see people fishing here with both lakes presenting a beautiful look, but now everything has changed due to the lack of efforts by the authorities regarding the upkeep of the water bodies.”
Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, who heads the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NCLO) and is actively involved in the conservation of both lakes, also expressed his concerns about the Azolla invasion.
He said some individuals on the ground were deliberately allowing Azolla to pass through the gate at Nallah Amirkhan.
“While the officials at the top are doing everything possible to ensure the preservation of the lakes, those on the ground, especially the contractor responsible for clearing Azolla trapped due to a tube installed at Nallah Amirkhan, are ensuring that the garbage, along with Azolla, is allowed to rush into the twin lakes,” Wangnoo told Excelsior.
He revealed that he had raised the matter with the Vice Chairman of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), who assured him that a CCTV camera would be installed at the spot to ensure that both garbage and Azolla are properly arrested and lifted.
It is noteworthy that for over two and a half years, NCLO has been tirelessly working to rejuvenate the twin water bodies, a feat acknowledged by the Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as a notable achievement under the ‘Janbhagidari’ initiative.
On the other hand, despite substantial progress made on the ground, the administration has not yet entrusted control of both lakes to any department. This delay is impacting the long-term conservation efforts of these water bodies, which experts argue play a crucial role in maintaining the hydrological balance of Dal, Nigeen, and Anchar Lakes.
Wangnoo stressed that, for the long-term conservation of these lakes, clear boundaries must be demarcated to prevent encroachments and protect ecological integrity. Additionally, he noted that efforts should be made to connect drains to sewage treatment plants (STPs) to prevent contamination and restore buried, choked springs, which are essential to the overall health of the lakes.
Vice-Chairman LCMA Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat told Excelsior that due to the low water level, flushing the accumulated Azolla is currently challenging. However, he did not provide information about any other measures being taken by the authority.
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