Government of India grants Rs. 3.56 billion for Dal lake conservation

Srinagar, Aug.31 (ANI): The Central government has sanctioned a grant of 3.56 billion rupees for conservation of the Dal lake in Srinagar.

Imtiyaz Ahmad, a boatman at the Dal lake, said that the lake's conservation would benefit the tourism sector greatly.

"We want the lake to be cleaned properly. It will improve the condition of our area. The tourists would then like to spend more time in the Dal Lake, said Ahmed.

"Once cleaning of the Dal lake takes place, the tourist would also be drawn towards the clean and beautiful lake," said Fayaz Sofi, another boatman.

Dal Lake is the second largest lake in the State. It is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water-plant harvesting.

Under the supervision of the State Department of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), high-tech machines were imported from abroad for the conservation work, which is gradually progressing.

Irfan Yaseen, Vice-Chairman of LAWDA, said that the project was delayed because it needed a large grant.

"Rs. 356 crore, (3.56 billion) has been given by the government to buy high-tech machines for the cleaning of the Lake. Many people complained that the project has been discussed many times but nothing has been done. But the situation has changed. Both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister has taken interest in the progress," says Irfan Yaseen. (ANI)