Srinagar, Oct 5: Notwithstanding its claims of taking measures of preventing drainage flow into waterbodies, sewage of Baghwanpora on the west end of Nigeen Lake is flowing into the lake as the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has failed to check it.
 Ironically, the drain was being constructed by the LAWDA to avoid sewage inflow into the lake. But the work was left half way paving way for the drainage spill into the picturesque lake frequented by tourists.
 The Baghwanpora residents are demanding an immediate stop on the continuous flow of
 drains into the lake.
 According to the residents, last year, work on drainage network was started by LAWDA but left incomplete with no collection centre or receiving tanks.
 “At many places in the area the locals have released their sewage into this incomplete drain which is directly released into the lake polluting it badly,” said the locals.
 “For the past one-and-a-half month we have been demanding the LAWDA authorities to stop the sewage flow but they are paying deaf ears to our pleas,” the residents added.
 Locals apart, even the tourists are irked.
 “I wonder how come authorities remain callous towards such a serious issue. If this plight continues I fear tourists will avoid visiting the lake,” said Ramesh Kumar, a tourist from New Delhi.
 The release of the sewage has drawn immense concern from houseboat owners who consider it a threat to their survival.
  “We repeatedly approached the LAWDA authorities. They visited the site and promised an immediate action but never turned back,” they said.
 “The tourists who are staying in our houseboats are annoyed by the stench which is simply unbearable,” they added.
 The locals said that a huge amount of the water from this lake was supplied to the City for the drinking purpose and so could cause water borne diseases.
 “Recently two cows died in the area after drinking the water from this spot,” they added.
 When contacted Vice Chairman LAWDAIrfan Yasin said: “I have no information, need to confirm it.”

Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Oct 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Oct 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 IST