Srinagar, Aug 23: The majestic Dal Lake, a symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty, is facing an environmental catastrophe as unchecked pollution continues to plague its waters.
In a recent report submitted by the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), it has been revealed that untreated domestic sewage from as many as 910 houseboats is being discharged directly into the lake, severely compromising water quality and aquatic life.
The report, which covers water quality analyses conducted between January and May 2024, paints a grim picture of the lake’s condition. Out of 24 monitoring locations, only one site met the Class B criteria, which indicates water suitable for fishing and swimming, an alarming revelation given the lake’s importance to the region’s ecology and tourism.
Low levels of dissolved oxygen were detected in the backwater channels of Dal Lake, particularly in Nayadyar and Jogilankar, primarily due to the continuous inflow of untreated domestic wastewater. The report also highlights dangerously high concentrations of Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform bacteria, particularly near the Hazratbal shrine and the Konkhan Intermediate Pumping Station, pointing to severe contamination issues.
The pollution crisis is not confined to the lake alone. The sewage treatment plants (STPs) established to manage wastewater from the Dal and Nigeen Lakes’ catchment areas are failing to meet the required standards. Despite the six operational STPs with a combined capacity to treat 53.8 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, the report indicates that the quality of treated water being released into Dal Lake is not up to prescribed limits. Untreated sewage from areas like Telbal and Lal Bazar continues to flow into the lake, exacerbating the pollution.
The JKPCC report demands the urgent need for immediate action to address the sewage disposal from houseboats and improve the performance of STPs to prevent further degradation of Dal Lake.
The NGT had previously directed the submission of a detailed report on the status of monitoring stations, water quality, and sewage management in and around Srinagar, particularly concerning Dal Lake. This report, however, lays bare the stark reality of the ongoing environmental disaster.
The future of Dal Lake, once known as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir,” hangs in the balance as authorities grapple with the challenge of restoring and preserving this iconic water body. The findings serve as a wake-up call for immediate intervention to safeguard the lake and its surrounding ecosystem, vital for the region’s biodiversity, economy, and cultural heritage.
The Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar has been instructed to provide detailed information on the Impact of Tourism and Population Growth.
