Recurring land subsidence near Surinsar Lake
*If funds are released timely, work to begin in Oct
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, July 11: In a move towards addressing the recurring problem of land subsidence near the scenic Surinsar Lake, the Tourism Department has submitted a proposal to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also the Minister Incharge Tourism, seeking approval for release of Rs 15 crore during the current financial year.
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The funds, once approved, will be utilised as part of the larger Rs 37.99 crore project formulated by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL), which has already submitted a Detailed Project Report aimed at providing a long-term solution to the issue.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that after thoroughly examining the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority, the Tourism Department has decided to release the funds for the project in two phases-Rs 15 crore during the current financial year and the remaining amount in the next financial year.
Accordingly, the Tourism Department has submitted the proposal to the Chief Minister, who is also Minister Incharge Tourism, seeking formal approval for phased release of funds.
Expressing optimism about early approval of the proposal, sources said, “the Tourism Department is eager to initiate critical stabilisation measures aimed at protecting public infrastructure and preserving the tourism potential of the area”, adding “timely release of funds would enable commencement of work by October this year”.
It is pertinent to mention there that the Surinsar Lake area has long been plagued by recurring incidents of land subsidence and road damage, particularly during the monsoon season, disrupting connectivity and raising serious safety concerns.
The comprehensive DPR prepared by THDC India Limited (THDCIL) outlines a series of geo-technical interventions designed to ensure long-term stabilisation of the affected terrain.
When contacted, an officer of the Tourism Department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to the Chief Minister for funding the project in two phases, beginning from the current financial year.
As per the THDCIL, the population density around the Surinsar Lake area has increased significantly in the recent years. However, the absence of a proper drainage system in the inhabited zones has worsened the problem of land subsidence.
The accumulation of finer particles such as silt and clay in the soil is reducing pore space-leading to soil compaction or subsidence, which has been identified as a major cause of the sinking land near the lake.
As per the DPR submitted by THDCIL, the entire project can be completed within a period of one year from the date of award of the contract.
According to the sources, the THDCIL will only oversee the execution of the project to ensure that all the works are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions and recommendations laid down in the DPR.
“The THDCIL has also proposed the modalities for the implementation to ensure that public movement and visitor access remain unaffected during the execution phase”, sources added.
The DPR not only focuses on stabilization of the land near the lake but also incorporates the construction of a proper drainage system for the residential areas, which is considered a critical component of the overall mitigating strategy.
The most severely affected stretch lies between the popular selfie point and the Government Higher Secondary School, including areas around the Shamshan Ghat and near the Narsingh Temple, where subsidence has been most prominent.
It is worth mentioning that Surinsar Lake, known for its pristine natural beauty, offers a tranquil space for visitors seeking peace and serenity. Surrounded by dense forests that enhance its calm atmosphere, the lake is adorned with floating lotuses during summer. Boating and swimming are prohibited due to religious sentiments attached to the site. Additionally, the bird sanctuary near the lake is a favourite destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
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