Sir,
This has a reference to the article “Surinsar – Mansar lakes face existential threat” DE Oct 10,2017. The learned author has rightly pointed out the miserable condition of famous Surinsar-Mansar lakes of Jammu. In this connection, it is pertinent to mention that these lakes are not only water bodies on this earth but the public sentiments of Jammu Province are deeply connected with these Holy lakes. Throughout the year, lakhs of people visit these lakes for religious rituals and picnics etc.
For the last seventy years nothing more than a park and for buildings have been added to Mansar. The approach road always remains in bad condition at some places. There is ever increasing encroachment on the land of these lakes and by every passing year the area is reduced by human activity, wild grass and direct flow of garbage and loose soil into lake water.
There is flood of Govt Rest/Guest Houses of various Departments. One fails to understand what is the utility and public benefit of these guest houses. Those sitting in High offices should know that the culture of Guest Houses is over with the exit of British from India. Instead of announcements the Govt should constitute special task force to remove encroachments on lake land. All the guest houses except Tourism Department JKTDC should be dismantled and parks should be established at these places. The prestigious Haveli of Mansar should be renovated. The bazars and residential houses should be shifted to some distance. Wildlife Department should manage properly the wastage etc. Govt institutions be shifted outside and de-silting and weed control should be intensified to safe-guard these lakes.
Yours etc…
Rajinder Chand Anthal
Udhampur
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