An official report has recommended slew of measures forconservation measures of the Dal Lake.
Srinagar Metropolitan Plan (SMP) report- 2035 has statedthat “we may lose the water body” if measures are not taken to safeguardthis famed lake in summer capital.”
Srinagar Metropolitan plan was approved by the stateadministrative council headed by Governor SP Malik recently.
According to the vision report, the Dal Lake needscorrective measures immediately.
“It is felt that we may permanently lose the water body (DalLake) if measures are not taken to firmly define the boundaries. Treatmentwithin and outside the lake—to protect the Dal Lake from being depleted byinside/outside demands and to preserve this precious treasure of Kashmirvalley,” it states.
Deliberating on causes of the lake’s degradation as per DPRof AHEC- IIT Roorkee, it states the water body’s boundary is not properlydefined along western periphery.
Based on the comprehensive study of all reference documents,the SMR recommend demarcation of the lake margin especially along its westernside by way of some physical delineation as shown from Dalgate to Saidakadal asgreenway. It said this will help to restrict encroachment and entry ofpollutants into the lake.
It states that there has been drastic change in land use,land cover of catchment area besides reduction in volume by siltation mainlydue to catchment area degradation.
Other factors attributed to the deteriorating condition ofDal Lake as per SMR are as reduction and clogging of water channels within thelake because of encroachments leading to reduce circulation. It has also blamedloss of settling basin and bio-filters due to dumping of dredged material fromthe lake. It states that there has been reduction of fresh water inflow intothe lake.
The report has recommended un-interrupted flow of watertowards Nallah Amir Khan, maintaining water level of at least 11-feet from thebed level, strong flushing and recirculation of water periodically.
It has states that State Pollution Control Board shouldregularly check water quality of both Dal and Nigeen. It has also recommendedrevival of defunct springs by removal of sediments and garbage.
It states that floating gardens are unique feature of theDal Lake “but their proliferation in the water expanse is also a potentialthreat to the lake ecosystem.” It also recommends alignment of houseboatsto houseboat zone which is fully equipped with trunk infrastructure.
It recommends preventing new arrivals of invasive speciesand reducing the spread of those already here and replacement of water liliesNymphia by lotus.