MOOL RAJ
Kashmir in itself is a beautiful song and the Dal Lake is its delightful chorus. With the constant disruptions and tensions caused in Kashmir by our neighbouring country Pakistan, tourism here was severely impacted for many years.The result is that many are yet to behold the magic that lies here. Those who are familiar with Kashmir know that the life and economy of a sizable number of people is dependent on this fresh water-body. Dal Lake is almost an entity. It symbolizes the focal point for Kashmir’s tourism and is a basic source of livelihood for the hundreds of people who live in or around the lake.The joys of the DalAll those who have been to Kashmir would be familiar with the joy of hopping into one of the many wonderfully decorated shikaras gliding through the waters, visiting the local fish farms or passing by the floating vegetable mandi that bustles in the early morning hours, displaying the lively colours of Kashmir. During the summers the water is still. As winter arrives, they take it under a sheet of ice thicker in some locations and thinner in the others through which shikaras paddle away. The lake is as diverse under the surface of the water, as it is over the surface. Supporting a large biodiversity of its own, the Dal Lake has many species of flora and fauna that it sustains.But all this beauty might just be a mirage in the coming decades if no efforts would be made to sustain these magnificent water structures. The lake has tons of effluents poured in its basin every week from the industries and inhabitants nearby. It is high time that some sustainable movements are initiated for Kashmir’s precious water bodies like the Dal. Our water bodies not only have a rich past, traditions and livelihoods tied strongly to it, but also are a crucial part of various natural cycles running on its support.Public awareness is essentialThere have been efforts made by various bodies that regulate the sustenance of similar water bodies like the Dal. It is unfortunate that these efforts do not leave a lasting effect on the lake and the minds of people related to it. Hence to add to these efforts, local participation and awareness programmes shall play a crucial role.As in the past, there have been numerous efforts to conserve the freshwater of the Dal Lake. But as soon as immediate attention is diverted, the conditions go back to square one or worse. A sense of belonging towards water bodies like the Dal is a motivating factor, but this affinity must also continue in caretaking.Usually small local groups are formed to contribute to social causes. They fade off due to lack of recognition or lack of awareness at government level, about their existence. Due recognition from various official bodies shall motivate more people to be a part of social causes like this and similar to this.Local stakeholders must be encouragedStreet plays are an effective way of awareness while also contributing to recreation and tourist attraction. Local hotel owners, industry owners and shikara owners must be given water treatment plans at a subsidised rate in order to curb the issue of untreated water disposal into the Dal basin. Stricter norms must be implemented for improper garbage disposal.The youth must be motivated to take part in various cleanliness drives and shramdaan efforts around the lake and also the state. Regular sessions from service and civil officers on these bases around the town can be undertaken. These efforts can be broadcasted in various news channels and online websites as this approach must be a global motivation. A tie up between the local Public Works Department and the Army on a sustainable approach for the conservation of the Dal Lake ecosystem would go a long way in the steps towards bringing positive changes.Even when our textbooks read sagas of greatness of science and environmental approaches, we are left behind in the shambles of belief that one fine day, a revolutionary would finally arrive to rescue us from our woes. It is time we realize that we are our own saviours. It is only us who can help each other to build a brighter tomorrow.Responsibility of environmental preservationThe notion of The Dal Lake exemplifies the relevance of giving back and taking care of the things that give us sustenance. The responsibility of environmental preservation is on us. Being the forbearers of this cause, all the citizens of the nation must pledge to take steps to conserve our natural resources. Just like the Dal, water bodies around our nation face a huge threat of survival.Most of them only become dumping grounds despite the fact that the living world greatly depends on fresh and clean water as a source of sustenance. The crucial realisation that the Dal Lake ecosystem needs immediate attention so that future generations can thrive and enjoy the glorious benefits of this beautiful lake. The Dal Lake, in all its magnificence, is calling out for help.(The author hails from Village Bhagota, Distt & Teh Doda. Views are personal)
