Srinagar, Mar 17 (KNS): Former Minister and senior Congress leader  Prof. Saifuddin Soz today said water bodies are under stress due to encroachments and neglect.

"During my visit to Gilsar, Khushal Sar, Anchar and Brari Nambal, today, I got awakened to raise an alarm that we shall lose this great natural treasure, completely and irretrievably, if my alarm does not produce a responsible public concern, (sic)."

"All Water Bodies in Kashmir including Wular and Dal are under great stress. The greatest trouble has been created by Land Grabbers and Encroachers, who are far beyond clutches of law and many times enjoying patronage of narrow-minded public figures (sic), he added."

He added that it is highly depressing for see Anchar Lake is just not visible as illegal constructions have come all around.

"I could imagine that nothing seemed to be retrievable unless people themselves come forward and take strong measures to safeguard whatever can be retrieved.
I have been left with a feeling that everything will be lost unless people themselves rise to the occasion.," he said.

"I, however, felt encouraged when groups of people around these lakes assured me that they would join a movement for retrieving and conserving these water bodies which are taking their last breath,” he added.(KNS)