Jammu and Kashmir: Lakes authority procures indigenous high-tech machines to clean Dal Lake

Shafat Ahmed Jeelani, Executive Engineer, Mechanical wing LAWDA, said the machines were bought from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on the recommendations of the committee of experts appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

"The committee recommended we should have 17 machines, but currently we have only four, and two out of them are almost out of use as their efficiency had gone down. To solve that problem, the committee of experts advised us to get indigenous equipment for the purpose of cleaning the lake," he told ANI.

According to Jeelani, LAWDA has received one indigenously built high capacity deweeding machine, two 100 tonne capacity dumb barges, one self-propelled barge and one weed transfer crane, while one dumb barge is still on its way, reports ANI.

"These machines cost around Rs 4 crore, and this is the first time after 2012 that we have procured new machines," he added.

Locals have appreciated LAWDA's move.

A local resident, Muveez Ahmad told ANI said that though it is not the first time that the lake is being cleaned, machines are being used now which will bring efficiency into the process.

"LAWDA used to clean the lake manually. The process was slower and lesser area was covered. But now with these high-tech machines, a larger area will be cleaned at a faster pace. This will add to the beauty of the lake and attract tourists," said Ahmad.