Govt to restore pristine glory of water bodies
Vikas Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government today informed the House that the removal of encroachments along water bodies have been given top priority, with significant measures taken to restore the pristine glory of these vital water resources.
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This information was shared by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Minister incharge of the Tourism Department.
In response to a question raised in the Assembly by the Legislator Mubarak Gul, Omar confirmed that Dal, Nigeen and Wular lakes are among the most significant water bodies in the Kashmir Valley.
The Chief Minister provided details on ongoing conservation efforts, stating that around Rs 260 crore have been spent over the past three years on the conservation and restoration of Kashmir’s major water bodies, including Dal, Nigeen and Wular lakes.
He shared the specific allocations for these lakes as follows, Rs 149.63 crore for Dal-Nigeen in 2021-22, Rs 82.72 crore in 2022-23 and Rs 39.21 crore in 2023-24. Wular Lake received Rs 54.02 crore in 2021-22, Rs 31.12 crore in 2022-23 and Rs 19.14 crore in 2023-24.
Outlining the steps taken to improve Dal and Nigeen lakes, Omar highlighted that the expenditure has been focused on addressing encroachment and ecological degradation.
He said, “The efforts include dredging, de-weeding, afforestation, the construction of sewer networks, and the creation of artificial wetlands to improve water quality and restore the ecological balance.”
The CM also mentioned the relocation of populations from Dal and Nigeen lakes, the restoration of natural springs around Dal lake to increase water inflow and the establishment of a plant with NAFED at Guptganga Ishber Nishat to dispose of harvested weeds.
“Furthermore, afforestation work in catchment areas aims to combat soil erosion and solid waste collection initiatives are in place, along with the establishment of research and monitoring facilities to continuously assess water quality,” he added.
Omar also spoke about Wular lake, located in Bandipora and Baramulla, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention.
“The Government has taken significant measures to restore Wular’s ecological health. He explained that the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) have been implementing a Comprehensive Management Action Plan (CMAP) since 2012. The plan focuses on wetland demarcation, biodiversity conservation, improving water regimes, restoring ecological services and economic benefits, catchment area conservation, sustainable resource management, livelihood improvement and institutional development for effective management of Wular and its associated wetlands. Despite these efforts, encroachment continues to be a significant issue,” he said.
In response to an additional query by Mubarak Gul about large-scale encroachments in Anchar lake, Dal lake, Khushal Sar, Gilsar, Shalbug Wetland, Wular lake, Mansbal lake, Mansar lake, Surinsar Lake and other water bodies over the past few decades, the Government denied widespread encroachment but acknowledged that conservation efforts require constant vigilance.
On another matter, when asked by MLA Mubarak Gul about the increasing popularity of Tarsar and Marsar lakes as favorite destinations for tourists, especially international visitors, the Government confirmed this trend.
“To promote sustainable tourism, the Directorate of Tourism has imposed restrictions on visitor numbers, banned plastic use and mandated the presence of registered tourist guides to ensure environmental protection in these fragile ecosystems,” he said and further emphasized that no domestic or international tourist is allowed to visit these famous lakes without a registered tourist guide.
The Government further reiterated its commitment to preserving Kashmir’s lakes, ensuring that both local and international tourists are able to experience these natural wonders responsibly.
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