Jammu, 03Feb 2024:Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have reported a significant achievement in the rejuvenation of Dal Lake in Srinagar, with one-third of the lake revitalized and its open expanse expanded to more than 20.3 square kilometers. The update was shared during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, where measures for the beautification and cleansing of Dal and Nigeen lakes were reviewed.The meeting highlighted the implementation of a Rs 273 crore Dal Lake conservation plan, encompassing activities such as dredging, catchment area management, development of sewerage networks, eco-parks, viewing decks, jetties, ghats, and other conservation efforts.Over the past two years, the spokesperson revealed that one-third of Dal Lake has undergone rejuvenation, 6.5 sqkms have been cleared of lily, and the open expanse has reached a significant milestone at more than 20.3 sqkms. The lake area has remained consistent compared to records from 1985, and a recent survey in 2009 and satellite imagery confirmed this stability.Notably, the lake boundary was delineated for the first time, and drone surveys conducted in 2020 and 2023 contributed to comprehensive data. Additionally, a bathymetric survey was completed for scientific de-weeding and dredging, with the plantation of 1.60 lakh plants to treat the catchment area.Regarding waste and sewage management, 48 million litres per day (MLD) were calculated, with five Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) catering to 36 MLD, connecting all houseboats. Dredging efforts included the retrieval of 20 navigation channels, covering a length of 10 km, and extracting 150,000 cubic metres of silt from the settling basin in the last two years.Future plans include making programmable aerators-cum-fountains operational in seven clusters, installing an 85-metre tall high super jet fountain, and exploring bio-methanation of weed in collaboration with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).For beautification, green spaces, children parks, eating joints, food courts, toilet blocks, and parking areas are under development. The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a robust enforcement mechanism to prevent illegal structures in the lake area and urged stakeholders to collaborate in weed and lily pad removal.As a visionary suggestion, the Chief Secretary proposed exploring the possibility of setting up a ‘Ferris Wheel’ within the Dal Lake area.
Dal Lake Rejuvenation: Open Expanse Expands to 20.3 sq kms in Past 2 Years
