Srinagar, Feb 02: The people residing around the Khushal Sar lake have expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the once pristine water body in Srinagar and appeal the government to save it from further worsening.
Muhammad Rafiq, a resident of Gil Kadal Srinagar said once the water of the lake was used for drinking purpose but today, it is craving for government attention as it is filled with silt and waste.
“From Gilsar side, the government had started dredging a year ago by using machines but that did not last long. The government had then announced to clear it but it did not happen,” he said.
“The water body is not in a good condition. We all are demanding for its restoration. At some places people throw waste openly in it,” he said.
He said that the government should wake up and realize the importance of the water body and take immediate steps to restore its pristine glory.
“The drainage leading to the water body should be stopped immediately to save it at the earliest. All silt goes to the water body which is very unfortunate,” he said.
Ishfaq Ahmad, another local resident said that during his childhood, the Khushal Sar lake was considered as a lifeline of the city and people used to use its water for different purposes.
“However, with the illegal construction in the interiors of the waterbody and throwing of garbage, the lake has lost its sheen,” he said.
Ishfaq said the government should restart the partially executed and suspended work of the peripheral sewerage scheme.
Notably, in February 2021, a local environmental organization Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) took the initiative to clean the lake which was appreciated by locals.
“I didn’t believe that we had a water body like Khushal Sar. It has been encroached from all sides,” NLCO’s chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said.
He said a lot needs to be done to save the water body like demarcation, dredging etc. “For this, we have also sent a proposal to Government as to how it can be retrieved to its past glory,” he said.
“Dredging and demarcation of the boundaries and removal of encroachments, muck and collection of solid waste, fencing of boundaries especially on the roadsides of Gilli Kadal Bridge and Nallah Ameer Khan should be done to avoid littering. To achieve faster results deployment of few water master machines needs to be prioritized,” he said.
He further said that building of various recreational spots, like Shikara Ghat, parks, and kiosks and introducing water sports activities will attract tourists, and locals and force stakeholders to maintain and keep it safe and clean.
However, Athar Aamir Khan, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation said last year they had cleaned the lake and taken some 1400 to 1500 trucks of silt from there. “We will be starting it again in the coming working season under Mission Amrit Sarovar,” he said.
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