NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Dal Lake is Identity of Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Aug 24: Terming the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar as a "national asset", the deputy chief minister of Kashmir said it is the identity of Kashmir.

Replying to queries raised by lawmakers on the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake, which is fast shrinking, the deputy chief minister shared the concern and said that every measure will be taken to restore the pristine glory of the Dal Lake.

"Dal Lake is a National asset and identity of Kashmir. We all are duty bound to preserve it and maintain its pristine glory," he said.

Earlier, Minister of State for Urban Development, Nasir Aslam Wani said the preservation of Dal is underway as a serious effort and an ongoing process and not a mere experimentation. "The area of Dal Lake even by the measurement of Sir Walter Lawrence stood at 25.86 sq. km. which stands corroborated by satellite imagery and other means. The lake was never 75 sq. km in area as is being claimed by many. At present the area of Lake by all available means is 20.16 sq. km," he said.

Wani said that the government has taken several measures to conserve this world famous water body. "A comprehensive project amounting to Rs. 1100 Crores has been sanctioned by the Government of India for the conservation of Dal. Various steps are underway to restore the original glory of the Dal Lake which includes construction of 2 more STPs with latest technology and activities of the hotels existing in the Dal will also be monitored so that they do not pollute the Lake," he said.

The minister said efforts are being made to shift the water dwellers in a phased manner. "The shifting of water dwellers is a tedious job as they are engaged with the business of vegetables and other produce in the Dal and they are not willing to move out from the area as they are staying there for the last so many years. We are committed to clear the Dal as it is everybody's concern and also contributes towards the States economy as well".

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.