The Lakes and Waterways Developmental Authority (LAWDA) is incapable of saving the lake
Reviving Dal Lake
On November 20, in a high-level meeting with Lakes and Waterways Developmental Authority (LAWDA), Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand gave a 15-day deadline for assessment of 395 structures along Dole Demb area that will open three square kilometers area and increase Dal lake expanse from 18 to 21 kilometers. These are just baby steps; government has to take conservation mission on a war footing.
Results need to be evident; approaches have to appear pragmatic, quantifiable and long lasting. According to estimates, around 50,000 tons of silt and other pollutants get added into the Lake annually, reducing its depth and encouraging the growth of weeds. The government has often said problem is compounded by the encroachment, pollution and deforestation, which has affected the Lake’s eco-system. What is more damaging is a lack of proper blue print from government? State needs to have a multi-layered conservation approach, which is not only implemented, but also finished under a given time frame. There has been a heightened concern within Kashmir’s civil society about a possible threat that the Dal Lake will soon be a history. This fear manifests itself in the form of the mess, which has engulfed the Lake today. Government has to be proactive not just in planning, but in action as well. Steps like creation of artificial wetlands are a welcome one. This will not only minimize the waste substances and nutrients slipping into lake, but will create a sustainable ecosystem, which will itself preserve the Lake in the longer run.
However,cynicism steps in when it comes to execution, long-term backup plan is must for this sustainable solution. Wetlands will need protection and maintenance. LAWDA has to extend these upcoming artificial water bodies as a future course of action in safeguarding Dal Lake. Between all this eco-friendly build-ups by LAWDA, cleaning of blockage channels has to speed up. A serious, effective, and quick mechanism in removing reeds, radhs, landmasses and encroachment has to proceed swiftly. Along all this hard labour, a sustained awareness campaign is a must for local populace informing them ways of conserving the precious Dal. To implement such bold decisions LAWDA needs to shed the chronic sloth and implement the government’s vision in letter and spirit. The government on its part has to ensure all this is implemented on the waters, which remain turbulent and now dirty as well.