Srinagar, Sept 25: In a bid to preserve the pristine beauty of Dal Lake and protect its fragile ecosystem, the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has embarked on an ambitious project to install sewage treatment plants (STPs) on all houseboats within the Dal Lake. An LCMA official confirmed that this vital initiative is on track to be completed by the end of October.
Dal Lake had long faced pollution issues due to sewage discharge directly into its waters from houseboats. Concerns from senior citizens and environmentalists were raised regarding the delay in implementing STPs in the area.
An official from LCMA outlined the progress made, stating that all 80 houseboats in Nigeen Lake have already been connected to STPs, ensuring proper disposal of sewage. “One STP has been successfully installed at Bramri Nambal, boasting a capacity of 60.1 million litres per day (MLD), while another STP is operational at Nallah Amirkhan, serving the Nigeen houseboats,” he explained.
The LCMA official disclosed that tenders have been issued for two additional clusters, with ongoing work. Furthermore, 11 more clusters are scheduled to begin work soon around Dal Lake after finalizing the tendering process.
Notably, the STPs presently in use date back to 2008 and employ Fluidized Aerobic Bio-reactor (FAB) technology at Lam, Habak, and Hazratbal. The new initiative seeks to upgrade and expand the sewage treatment infrastructure to meet the lake’s growing demands while adopting modern and efficient technologies.
The restoration project for Dal and Nigeen lakes, initially funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, has undergone revision, with a budget of Rs 373 crore now awaiting approval. This comprehensive plan aims to restore these iconic water bodies to their former glory.
Officials overseeing the project have emphasized its objectives, which include enhancing water quality through watershed management, establishing a comprehensive sewerage network for 28 hamlets within the lake vicinity, and carrying out essential dredging activities within the lake area.
As the LCMA races against time to complete this crucial endeavour, the residents and visitors of Srinagar remain hopeful that these measures will safeguard the pristine charm and ecological balance of Dal Lake for generations to come.
