Community participation vital to conserve ecological heritage: Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha

Underscoring that effective community participation is vital to develop andconserve ecological heritage, the Lt Governor said that the de-weeding anddredging will be conducted in collaboration with the citizens.

The Lt Governor further observed that dedicated efforts have been initiated in thelast two years to clean Dal Lake, and for conservation and protection of otherwater bodies across J&K.

In this year's budget, Rs 373 crore has been allocated fordevelopment and conservation of Dal and Nageen lakes, he said.

The Lt Governor noted that for the first time in history, a successful campaign isbeing run with active public participation to clean Dal Lake.

“The de-weeding campaign which was started last year was very successful; nowwe will add new cleaning machines to the existing fleet and start dredging workon the western side to restore 60,000 Sq metre area,” he added.

On the conservation of Wular Lake, the Lt Governor said that a walkway isproposed to be built along the Lake which will enhance the beauty of Wular asalso help in preventing encroachment along it.

“Our aim is to revive the historical and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmirand the lakes here are invaluable part of that heritage”, the Lt Governor said.

TheLt Governor said that with the inspiration and encouragement of the PrimeMinister, people of the UT are determined to preserve the natural wealth ofJammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor further said that for three decades, Khushal Sar Lake had driedup and turned into a sewage dump, and it was only after the significantpartnership of administration and people, the lake has been rejuvenated andreturned to its original form. Hon’ble Prime Minister has also appreciated theefforts of the people of Srinagar and the district administration for the initiative,he added.

“This year, we aim to revive 3600 water bodies in different parts of the UT. I callupon all stakeholders, PRIs and departments to join hands with a resolve to saveour natural wealth with collaborative efforts”, the Lt Governor said.

Earlier, the Lt Governor along with Mayor SMC, Junaid Azim Mattu; DDCChairman Srinagar, Aftab Malik; senior officers and volunteers participated in theDal cleaning drive.

In his welcome address, Vice Chairman, LCMA, Bashir AhmadBhat gave a brief introduction about the ATHWAS Dal cleaning drive.Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dheeraj Gupta Principal Secretary HUDD;Pandurang K Pole, Div Com Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Sarmad Hafeez,Secretary Tourism; Muhammad Aijaz Assad, DC Srinagar, besides senior officers ofLCMA and other departments, large number of students from various institutionsof district Srinagar were present on the occasion.