CS takes stock of Dal Lake conservation, beautification measures

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today took review of the measures taken so far for the beautification and cleansing of the famous Dal and Nigeen Lakes here.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD; VC, Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) besides other concerned officers.
During this meeting the Chief Secretary took note of the measures taken so far for the cleaning, beautification and conservation of this fresh water body. He observed that the lake has the significance of an insignia in terms of the tourism value of Srinagar city and needs our prior attention and focus for development.
He also emphasized upon taking effective measures to control the encroachment in the restricted area. He asked them to enhance the enforcement mechanism and ensure that no illegal structures are raised in the lake area. He called for showing zero tolerance towards any of the unlawful activity deemed detrimental for the health of the lake.
Dulloo called for preserving the environment of the lake besides taking other scientific measures for its conservation. He asked for making concerted efforts to remove the weeds and lily pads from the water surface. He stressed on restricting the untreated waste water into from going into the lake and optimal use of the STPs developed for preserving the lake from pollution.
Regarding the beautification of the lake, the Chief Secretary asked for completing all the ongoing projects like installation of aerators and fountain clusters at different spots in the lake. He even asked for making a breakthrough in installation of the musical and high jet fountain in the lake as per the proposal.
The Chief Secretary also took note of the implementation of Rs 273 Cr Dal Lake conservation plan which includes components like dredging, catchment area management, development of sewerage network, Eco-parks, Viewing decks/jetties/ghats besides completion of other conservation works.
He even advised for exploring the possibility of the construction of ‘Ferris Wheel’ in PPP mode inside the lake area. He asked for seeking the consultancy services regarding the best possible mechanism of getting it installed here. He also asked for looking into the establishment of STP at Gupta Ganga as requested by the conservation authority.
In his presentation the Vice Chairperson LCMA, Bashir Ahmad threw light on different measures taken by them to conserve this water body. He also provided details of the projects completed so far and the physical progress of those under execution.
It was given out that the lake area has not decreased as per the earliest possible available records (1985 settlement by Sir Walter Lawrence). It was revealed that the area is almost same as per the ETS survey carried out in 2009 and satellite imagery.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary assured the public delegation from Reasi for making the newly constructed Mother & Child Hospital (MCH) functional soon.
The delegation comprising of ex-PRI and other civil society members called on the Chief Secretary and raised this demand before him.
In response, the Chief Secretary assured the visiting delegation of operationalization of this health facility soon. He remarked that the LG administration is keen to extend every possible facility to the citizens of the UT nearer to their doorsteps. He made out that the easy accessibility of basic amenities like health is the top priority for current dispensation.
On the occasion, the delegation raised other demands related to the development of their area. These includes the ones for the growth of tourism and other civil infrastructure there.
The Chief Secretary listened carefully to them and assured the delegation that all their genuine demands would be given due consideration and fulfilled in a time bound manner.