Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 8: After bringing the Khushal Sar back to its glory, the authorities are now mulling to increase the stretch of the Nigeen Lake by carrying out the relocation of the residents of Anchari Mohalla who are the Nigeen Lake Dwellers and have been suffering for the last over 14 years.
The residential area is occupying a major chunk of the Lake, while the residents have been asking the LAWDA to relocate them under the rehabilitation policy. However, so far, there was no headway achieved in the matter.
However, the matter has now been taken up by the Chairman of Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo who has held a series of meetings with the residents as well as the officers at the LAWDA, while as the authorities have now stated that they will take up the matter of their relocation with the higher-ups.
As per the residents, there are around 100 families and 60 structures that can be easily relocated in comparison to the dwellers in the Dal in other parts whose rehabilitation has so far turned out to be a farce.
“The dwellers who are facing numerous issues, are voluntarily ready to get relocated under a proper rehabilitation programme, were cooperative and assured their full support to the administration for their relocation process,” NLCO Chairman said.
The residents said that the move of relocating them can help in a big way concerning the conservation, restoration of the Nigeen Lake as it can bring along several benefits that will increase the life of the Lake.
Wangnoo said that after the meeting with the locals, the VC LAWDA has stated that the administration is ready to relocate them and the matter will be taken up with the higher-ups for the further course of action
It is to be noted here that if the matter of the relocation of the Nigeen Lake Dwellers is resolved, it will result in the increased water flow towards Pokhribal and Khojyarbal and at the same time, will also bring down the water stagnation in the Lake.
Also, by relocating them, a major chunk of the water body can be revived which can offer a great opportunity for the Lake to get it stretched up to Saida Kadal.
“I was able to raise this significant issue of proper rehabilitation of Lake Dwellers in the recent ‘Panun Dal Fest’ chaired by Chief Secretary and other top-level officers. I also met with the VC LAWDA and took up the matter with him and he has given a positive response to the long-pending demands of the locals while stating that the residents will be properly rehabilitated,” Wangnoo said.
The locals while impressing on the urgent need of relocating them said they have been facing various issues ranging from connectivity to that of societal interactions for last over a decade now.
“We are suffering for the last 14 years, but the same intensified after the floods of 2014 as we cannot even construct a toilet. Several houses are damaged, but we do not have a choice but to live in tin sheds,” Aijaz Anchari a resident told Excelsior
Showkat Thaboo, another resident said that the LAWDA does not permit any constructions; as the result, they are living miserable life. “If they cannot rehabilitate us then, they should be at least provided with the basic civic facilities,” he said.
Chairman NLCO while expressing gratitude to the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Pandurang K. Pole for his support towards the revival and restoration of water bodies, said that he was hopeful that the necessary measures will be taken by the LAWDA and the issues faced by the residents will be put to an end once for all.
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