This refers to the front page photograph of GK dated 28th. November 2011, wherein the photographer depicts the beautiful scenery of the world famous  Dal Lake. The red scum is the autumn stage of one of the obnoxious weeds ‘Azolla filiculoides’, ready to shed spores for spring generation. Azolla filiculoides was noticed for the first time in the Dal Lake in 2004 and since then has spread vigorously (both vegetatively and by spore formation) in all our fresh water bodies, connected with the river Jhelum. It has almost choked their tributaries and feeding channels. It is ruinous for these lakes and is much dangerous than land grabbing (at present common practice in both Dal and Nigeen). In our recent exploration in the Nigeen Lake, thickness of ‘Azolla filiculoides’ at some places was recorded more than 12. Lake authorities are totally ignorant about this obnoxious weed and no attention has been paid since 2004 even after several suggestions through the local dailies. They are unaware of the impacts of these thick layers on under water life in these lakes. Countless aquatic species (both plants and animals) even nutritional and medicinal once abundantly growing in these fresh water bodies have completely dwindled or are at the verge of extinction. Immediate attention is needed to eradicate or keep this obnoxious weed under control before these world-famous lakes will turn into a turf.  


Dr. A. Majeed Kak  

amkak7@gmail.com 


Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 6 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST