Once again the water bodies in Kashmir have started sending shocking signals about dangers of their extinction looming large despite millions of rupees spent on conservation. The mysterious death of thousands of fish in the Nageen Lake, comparatively a less polluted lake has rightly panicked the people in general and the environmentalist in particular.  In the memory of contemporaries living in and around the famous lake, there is no history of fish having died in such a large number in the lake. The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority trying to play down this catastrophic phenomenon have attributed the death of fish in large number to the soaring temperatures. The mercury in Kashmir did not soar that high which would endanger the fauna and flora of the valley. The temperature did not go beyond 34 or 35 Celsius during months of June and July that are the accepted average during these two months. The death of fish   cannot pass as ‘summer kill’. In fact, it calls for an in-depth scientific study if some toxic plants are growing in the lakes posing threat to fauna and flora of the lake. To prevent various species from extinction the government should not feel shy of roping in support from national and international organizations. Not only has death of fish set alarm bells ringing, another major environmental concern  is  Azolla, an obnoxious water fern that  has engulfed sensitive areas of the twin lakes of Dal and Nageen. This weed has been   adversely affecting the eco-system of these lakes. If the growth of the fern is not controlled, it can cause eutrophication; depleted supply of oxygen thereof can lead to the death of life in the lakes. Despite claims made by the authorities concerned with the conservation of the lakes, the dangerous fern is proliferating. Environmentalists and experts in the state have been sending cautionary notes to the authorities but so far not much has been done to prevent the growth of this threatening weed. It is high time for the government to initiate measures for saving life in the two lakes. 

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 7 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST