Conservation and preservation of famous Dal Lake, Wular Lake and other water bodies has been stressed upon by Lieutenant Governor emphasising the need to take all necessary innovative and efficient measures in this respect. Pertinent to note that the process of conservation and preservation of water bodies have more or less remained confined to framing of official policies which were never seriously implemented to have tangible results seen and felt on the ground. Though a separate department J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (JKLDA), an autonomous body, was created by the Government to exclusively look after, manage and conserve water – bodies and water-ways of Jammu and Kashmir, the fact of the matter is that excepting sporadic de-weeding here and there, no perceptible change in the scenario of pollution, encroachment, violation and neglect of these irretrievable natural boons has taken place. The Lieutenant Governor, however, has touched a very vital point that of effective solid waste management which he has assured to be arranged to be in place not only for houseboats but for the whole of Srinagar city which would be pointed at bringing about ”holistic conservation of Dal Lake”.
Unless the main problem, rather the scourge of releasing of sewage waste of household and commercial establishments into the famous natural sweet water lake was stopped, no measure of conservation would save the lake. A vital question that arises is that only till two-three decades back, its water was quite safe for drinking from the spot onwards of Nehru Park while there used to be houseboats also and with no treatment of sewage released from them. The fact is that firstly, there were not as many houseboats as have been increasing every year. Secondly, the lake was absorbing the limited waste material through its capacity of natural process, maintaining the purity and taste of its water in which its various species of fish were proving as cleansing agents, now most of the species have unfortunately become extinct due to its polluted waters. Thirdly, land encroachment of its catchment areas and erecting of housing colonies around it was never seen which means waste material, sewage and other stuff in horrendous quantum was not going into this lake. Constant de-weeding was on volunteering basis further cleansing the lake. Last but not the least, the lake was not wantonly exploited and abused.
Till the condition of the world famous Dal- Lake worsened due to its wanton and merciless abuse like pollution and grabbing its land, dumping all waste material into it from the adjoining localities etc , no comprehensive plan or measures were employed to save it except forming of JKLDA. Its working and mandate, to be precise, remained limited due to paucity of funds, no expert advice from time to time, absence of no political interference, monitoring and follow up measures from the Government being insufficient, no empowering and absence of proper and reasonably sufficient infrastructure. Lt. Governor has, as such, desired that there should be zero release of sewage waste of household and commercial establishments into the said famous water bodies. That obviously, critically analysing, is more easy to be aspired for than translated into reality as that needs concerted and a four pronged approach of ensuring not only no dumping or releasing of the waste stuff into water bodies like the Dal and other lakes but scientific treatment of the generated waste material and its disposal, providing bio digesters for all houseboats, declaring illegal any private possession of its areas intentionally dried up for encroachment, removing illegal constructions and illegally built housing colonies. For that, a dedicated administration, non interference of political leaders and seeking full judicial support are necessary.
Demarcation of lake’s boundary is paramount. Seeking public support would be pre-requisite but for that, generating full awareness was needed. These lakes and water bodies have remained of tremendous economic potential whether for fishermen, owners of floating vegetable gardens, lessees reaping minerals and nutrients rich lotus stems crops, shikarawalas, flower vendors and the like. Recreational, environmental, water sports related and other numerous benefits of these natural lakes merit that these water bodies are preserved and saved for future generations. Lt. Governor, therefore, has laid special emphasis not only on short- term solutions but long term too which should go parallel for their effective implementation. Very few among us may be knowing that preservation of the unique biodiversity of Dal Lake is the top most priority of the Prime Minister. Let, therefore, proper infrastructure be provided for saving these water bodies, targets of implementation of measures set and responsibilities fixed.
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