Studies not used in policy, restoration plans
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 8: Independent research findings on the deteriorating health of Dal Lake were not factored into policy or corrective measures by the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LC&MA), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has noted.
The findings are part of the CAG’s performance audit report (No. 4 of 2025) on “Conservation and Management of Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir” for the period ended March 2022, recently tabled in the Assembly.
The report flags gaps in scientific monitoring and conservation planning.
The audit noted that scholars from various universities had conducted extensive research on the lake, but their conclusions and recommendations were not taken into account by LC&MA in managing and restoring the water body.
It stressed that effective lake management requires continuous, evidence-based research to address evolving environmental pressures.
Despite this, the CAG said, LC&MA had not commissioned comprehensive studies to assess critical ecological indicators, including water quality, fish diversity and water bird populations.
The audit also pointed to the absence of any assessment of the disappearance of native species and the possible invasion of harmful species due to rising silt and sewage inflows from the lake’s catchment.
Research studies reviewed during the audit, as per the report, indicated a steady ecological decline driven by multiple factors, including increasing nutrient and silt loads, growing encroachments in and around the lake, and rising tourist inflow.
The studies, as per the report, also flagged malfunctioning sewage treatment plants (STPs), incomplete sewerage systems-particularly for houseboats-and faulty project proposals by consultants.
Additionally, unregulated human settlements around the lake were found to be contributing to the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste into the water body.
The audit observed that LC&MA failed to integrate these research-based insights into its conservation strategy, thereby weakening efforts to address the lake’s degradation.
Responding to the audit, the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), as per the CAG, stated in December 2022 that LC&MA’s Research and Monitoring wing conducts monthly physico-chemical analysis of the lake to assess anthropogenic pressures.
It claimed that STPs had been refurbished and were functioning as per Central Pollution Control Board norms. However, the department admitted that bird population monitoring was not being carried out due to a lack of technical manpower.
H&UDD further contended that the findings cited by the audit were contrary to the observations of LC&MA’s internal monitoring.
The audit, however, rejected the response as unconvincing, stating that its observations were based on independent academic research.
It also noted that no documentary evidence was provided by the department to substantiate its claim that internal findings contradicted external studies.
The audit flagged multiple systemic failures, including land-use changes, non-acquisition of land from Dal dwellers, malfunctioning STPs, inadequate de-weeding and weak monitoring, that have hampered restoration of Dal Lake’s open water area.
It noted shortcomings in programmes under NLCP, PMRP and other initiatives. Deficiencies, as per the report, were found in sewage treatment, waste management, weed and sludge disposal, and sewage infrastructure.
The audit called for regular monitoring, a robust lake management policy, prioritisation of sewer networks and scientific waste treatment, expedited relocations, and sustained awareness to curb encroachments and ecological degradation.
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