Collective approach a must to restore Dal Lake glory: Kundal

Srinagar, Dec 27 (UNI) Concerned over the deteriorating condition of the world famous Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary B R Kundal has underscored the need for collective and coordinated approach to save the water body.

Official sources said authorities have decided to disconnect electricity and water supply to all houses and other structures constructed illegally near the Lake.

This, they said, was necessary to discourage all illegal constructions and remove encroachments to restore the Lake to its pristine glory.

Mr Kundal said the prestigious and world famous fresh water Dal Lake, in the heart of Srinagar, demanded attention from one and all for protection and conservation of the water body.

Addressing a high level meeting of senior officers of Lakes a And Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and other departments concerned, he directed that all encroachments and illegal constructions be removed immediately.

The sources said hundreds of illegal constructions were razed and more than three lakh trees axed in the Lake by different departments on the Jammu and Kashmir High Court's directions.

A number of LAWDA officials were punished for helping illegal constructions in the Lake despite the court orders, banning any kind of such constructions.

The court has issued contempt notices to various departments after a committee headed by Registrar Judicial Abdul Wahid in his report said these departments had not implemented its orders.

It has expressed displeasure over slow conservation measures for restoration of the Lake and directed LAWDA to speed-up its work. LAWDA Vice-Chairperson has been asked to expand activities and maintain a daily diary of the details of the work.

The diary shall be submitted to the Chief Secretary for production with his observations to the court, the HC said.

It also authorised Mr Kundal to issue orders that may be necessary for conservation and restoration of the Lake during the High Court's vacations.

UNI