The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar is facing severe pollution, raising fears among residents and tourists alike that the lake may disappear if current conditions persist. The Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) attributes the pollution to people indiscriminately throwing waste into the lake.
An executive engineer from LCMA told *Arising Kashmir* that extensive efforts are being made to clean Dal Lake. “We have deployed several machinists round the clock and conduct manual clean-ups. Additionally, we are taking action against those littering the lake,” he said. The official urged locals and visitors to refrain from polluting the lake, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in preserving this natural treasure.
Tourists and locals have expressed strong concerns over the lake’s deteriorating condition, with some blaming houseboats for the pollution. However, the LCMA official clarified that houseboats have significantly reduced their contribution to pollution since the installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs). “There has been significant improvement from the houseboats, and they are now not polluting the lake as much,” he added.
The LCMA plans to install CCTV cameras around Dal Lake to monitor and prevent littering. Despite these efforts, many remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the current measures. AsifAhad, a local student, voiced his concerns, saying, “For a long time, we have been hearing from the administration that they will clean this lake, but so far, they have failed. No doubt some machinists are working around the clock, but that is not enough. They must adopt modern machinery and technology because we live in the era of technology. They must improve the cleaning of Dal Lake.”
In the past few weeks, several videos have surfaced on social media showing the lake’s increasing pollution and its seemingly abandoned state. The public is seeking extensive measures to preserve Dal Lake, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day.
