Centre approves Rs 298 crore for Dal Lake conservation

Srinagar, June 28 (UNI) The Centre has approved Rs 298 crore for conservation and management of the world famous Dal lake under the National Lake Conservation Plan, which also forms a part of the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Package for Jammu and Kashmir.

The project envisaged construction of six sewerage treatment plants (STPs) to save the lake from raw sewerage and other waste material, improvement of catchment areas, dredging, compensation for land acquisition and other structures, and for restoring the pristine glory of the lake.

The Central Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, headed by P G Narayanan, stated this after taking a round of the Dal Lake today.

The central team also reviewed functioning of STPs and other works undertaken by the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) as a part of the project.

State Housing and Urban Development Secretary Naseema Lanker and LAWDA Vice Chairman Mir Naseem Ahmed apprised the team that Rs 75 crore have so far been utilised on the construction of three STPs at Laam, Habak and Hazratbal, sewer lines improvement of catchment and peripheral areas de-weeding and dredging.

The team was told that three more STPs were being constructed in the second phase to improve the quality of water of the Lake.

Water expanse area of the lake has been increased by 2.5 sq km and 30 lakh cu mt have been dredged out within the average depth of 2.5 mt. The landmass of 700 kanals with 539 structures has been acquired from Dal dwellers, the Committee was told.

Brarie Numbal has been connected with river Jhelum to prevent it from pollution and improve the circulation of Dal water.

The Committee was further informed that to prevent the sedimentation of the lake, check dams were being constructed on Malori Nallah.

The team was also apprised about the problems faced by LAWDA for acquiring land and other property from Dal dwellers of 58 hamlets.

UNI