Govt connects Dal Lake houseboats to floating sewerage network

Srinagar, Aug 09: In a move to address environmental concerns and preserve the Dal Lake, the Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a project to connect 605 out of 888 tourism-registered houseboats to a floating sewerage network.
This initiative has been taken to tackle the long-standing issue of waste management from houseboats, which has been a major contributor to the lake’s pollution.
VC LCMA, Dr Bashir told Rising Kashmir that the project involves connecting all the houseboats to the existing sewerage system through a specialized floating network.
“We are using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes of various dimensions to create this network. The waste from the houseboats is channeled into a sump, from where it is pumped through rising mains into the existing sewer network along the Boulevard Road. Eventually, all waste will be treated at the Brari Nambal Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)”, he added.
He said that the project has undergone extensive trials and testing to ensure its effectiveness. “We have completed the trial period successfully, and the system is now fully operational,” Dr. Bashir said. “The initiative will address a long-pending issue that has affected the lake’s health for years.”
He also said that the remaining houseboats, situated in Nigeen Lake, are also part of this environmental project. “We have connected the houseboats in Nigeen to a similar network, and the trial run there has been completed as well,” Dr. Bashir added. “We are now preparing for the official inauguration next week, which will mark a milestone in our efforts to protect and preserve the lake’s ecosystem.”
He further said that the floating sewerage network is expected to substantially reduce the amount of untreated waste entering Dal Lake, thus improving water quality and supporting the ongoing conservation efforts.
Tourism operators and environmentalists have welcomed this development, expressing hope that it will not only protect the lake but also enhance the overall tourist experience.
“Clean water is important for the sustainability of our tourism industry,” Lateef Ahmad, a local houseboat owner, told Rising Kashmir. “This project shows the government’s commitment to balance tourism with environmental stewardship”, he added.