Dal Lake needs no introduction. The most famous and often quoted symbol of Kashmir is in fact the Dal Lake. It would not be wrong to say that most parts of Srinagar city lie in the vicinity of this lake. The crown of kashmir unfortunately is breathing is last. It has shrunk to almost one sixth of its original size. Human greed, callous authorities and criminal neglect by all residents of kashmir have brought it almost to the point of being consigned to the dustbin of history. Kashmir is the only place on earth where lake dwellers have filled the lake over the years and have earned legal rights too.They are being compensated for plunder and enchroachment of public property and national treasure. The level of pollution in the Dal lake is now beyond definition by any statistics. While token protests and half hearted attempts have been going on, radical measures are warranted. Swift and abrupt end to the floating gardens. should be the first priority. They are the most convenient and frequently used way of enchroaching the lake. Demolition of all habitations within the lake which have no legal basis. Lake dwellers have rights to live in boats and not in houses within the lake.Limiting the number of house boats and ensuring that each one is fitted with latest sewage treatment facilities. Stopping all sewage from flowing into the lake.
It may seem to be a tough ask. Yes it is. But it is not only Dal lake but the kashmiri nation which is dying.We have to race against time to save ourselves by salvaging the Dal lake. When Delhi, a city of 15 million can transform its whole public transport within a few months, why cant we do something about our priceless treasure. Delhi is the first city in the world which has less polluting fuels for whole of its public transport system. We should Invite foreign consortia. Fund raising can be done to supplement the funds already earmarked for the lake.Moreover, international financial assistance can also be sought.We can impose a special levy or cess to raise funds over a ten year period exclusively for the conservation of the Dal Lake on the analogy of the education cess to raise funds for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan at the central level.
Build a system of roads and parks on the whole boundry of the lake. This will put an end to the enchroachment and conserve the lake for posterity. We must wake up.
Tel Bal Nallah
The tel bal nallah is extremely important for the sustainance of Dal Lake. Not only is the water level in the lake regulated by its flow, the breeding of fish thriving in dal lake depends on the nallah to a great extent.The nallah , has unfortunately got badly polluted and is adding to the woes of the lake. Here are a few glimpes of the rot at the mouth of the nallah and the settling basin at the foreshore road.
It may seem to be a tough ask. Yes it is. But it is not only Dal lake but the kashmiri nation which is dying.We have to race against time to save ourselves by salvaging the Dal lake. When Delhi, a city of 15 million can transform its whole public transport within a few months, why cant we do something about our priceless treasure. Delhi is the first city in the world which has less polluting fuels for whole of its public transport system. We should Invite foreign consortia. Fund raising can be done to supplement the funds already earmarked for the lake.Moreover, international financial assistance can also be sought.We can impose a special levy or cess to raise funds over a ten year period exclusively for the conservation of the Dal Lake on the analogy of the education cess to raise funds for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan at the central level.
Build a system of roads and parks on the whole boundry of the lake. This will put an end to the enchroachment and conserve the lake for posterity. We must wake up.
Tel Bal Nallah
The tel bal nallah is extremely important for the sustainance of Dal Lake. Not only is the water level in the lake regulated by its flow, the breeding of fish thriving in dal lake depends on the nallah to a great extent.The nallah , has unfortunately got badly polluted and is adding to the woes of the lake. Here are a few glimpes of the rot at the mouth of the nallah and the settling basin at the foreshore road.
Dal Lake Proper
This may soon be a forgotten site.
Foot wear is found floating in abundance in the lake.
A drain emptying directly into the lake.
Thick algal blooms have suffocated the lake.
The Life line of the lake, the countless springs on the shores of the lake which used to nourish the lake are all but dead.They cry for conservation and attention.
A spring on the shores of Dal Lake which has dried up and has not been conserved .
This used to be a spring right on the shores of the lake. Now in disuse and damaged.
Lost Glory
Sad Sight
