DAL RESTORATION
Srinagar, Mar 30: In a bid to check blooming of harmful Algal blooms, a cause of Dal lake’s deterioration, the authorities have started experiments using the latest electronic gadgets.
 The scientists of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) have started testing the sophisticated equipment, Septo Sonic near the Northern Foreshore Road which is the lake’s vulnerable area for sprouting of the Algal blooms.
 Pertinently the Algal blooms block the sunlight damaging the lake flora and fauna and affects aesthetics of the water body. Due to unabated flow of sewage, there has been significant changes in the vegetational patterns of the lake. Studies have revealed that the increased pollution has contributed to the extinction of fresh water aquatic species imperative for lake conservation.
 The senior scientist of LAWDA, Dr Sabah-ul-Salim said the equipment, Septa Sonic releases the ultrasonic waves which are designed to only affect the Algal blooms.
 “Algal blooms usually sprout with the increase in temperature. We will be carrying extensive testing of equipment in different temperatures at-least for 3-4 months to check its efficacy,” he said.
 Procured for testing purposes from a Mumbai based-company, the highlight of the Septo Sonic was that it can function on solar power and withstand climatic conditions of Kashmir. Officials quoting the Company experts maintained that Septo Sonic had proved efficient to check Algae and other blooms in small lakes and ponds in many states.
 Officials said the equipment’s results will be submitted to the LAWDA’s Scientific Advisory Committee and included in the lake conservation after its approval.
 Incidentally the Government a few years had introduced the Common Carp or Chinese Carp fish in the Dal to guzzle the weeds, lily pads and other pollutants. “However, it had negative affects on the lake. The Common Carp has outnumbered the Kashmir’s native fish Schizothorax and failed to check the weed infestation. We have to be careful while introducing new methods to address the lake’s ecological problems,” Dr Sabah said maintained. 
 The LAWDA vice-chairperson, Irfan Yaseen, said he has been encouraging new measures to restore the lake’s glory.
 “Besides conventional methods were are also evaluating use of alternative and proven measures to save the lake. We will put the new technology to through testing before its formal approval,” he said.
 Yaseen said the department had installed aerators at various places across the lake. “Besides improving circulation, the aerators have been able to control infestation of harmful water ferns in the lake,” he said.
 He said negotiations were on with a US-based company, which is considered to be a pioneer in conservation of highly polluted water bodies.
 Earlier last year, LAWDA had conducted experiments to check out feasibility of a process called bio-remediation where various species of bacteria were infused into the Dal for clearing its harmful effluents. But the plan was shelved as the scientists found it unfeasible for the lake.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST