Govt to take measures to save Dal Lake

Srinagar, July 1: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to attach floating septic tanks with each house boat in the Dal Lake for preserving the world famous water body.

Vice chairperson of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) Tanveer Jahan said to collect house boat refuse floating septic tanks will be attached with each house boat in the Lake.

These tanks are to be cleaned in two years, she said adding that the tourism department will provide subsidy for these tanks.

She said 7000 kanal land at Bemina have been made available for rehabilitation.

She said a comprehensive report on preserving and conserving the Dal Lake has been sent to the Union government and during 2003 a grant of Rs 102 crore has been received and 30 per cent of the funding has been utilised for conservation purposes.

She said 80,000 tonnes of silt is being dug out every year and 16 km of clear water have been made visible.

Ms Jehan said introduction of grass carp (fish species) to root out weed and other vegetations in the Lake is being experimented and hoped that it will prove a long term measure to get rid of weed and other vegetations in the Lake.

UNI