Srinagar, Sep 26 (KNS): In order to review and oversee the progress achieved under “Swachhatta Hi Sewa” Abhiyan, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, N. N. Vohra today flagged off second phase of shoreline deweeding operation launched by J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority near Oberoi Ghat, SKICC.
The authority has drawn up a comprehensive plan of action for removal of Lilly outgrowth and vegetation infestation from the Dal Lake ever since the Governor took a visit of the lake on 06.07.2017. The observations and suggestions of the Governor are being followed up in initiating affirmative actions for cleaning of Dal Lake in a holistic manner.
At Oberoi Ghat 150-200 labours turned up in their uniform with traditional tools and boats to kick start the second phase of deweeding operation. The Vice Chairman, LAWDA apprised the Governor regarding various measures initiated by the Authority for preservation and conservation of the lake in the recent past and assured that extra efforts shall be undertaken to ensure the cleanliness and beautification of lake.
He also compressed the Governor that an Intensive Awareness Campaigning (IEC) has been launched in the interior as well as peripheral areas of Dal-Nigeen Lakes in order to sensitize the citizens regarding their participation in cleanliness and conservation measures for sustenance of lake ecology.
The campaign will include door to door campaign, NukrNatak, stage anchoring scheme, dialogue theme, question answer sessions and social actions for preservation of city’s water bodies.
The Governor was informed that since 07.08.2017, 0.8 Square Kilometres surface area has been cleared from the lilly patches aggregating to 8,00,000 cubic meters of extracted biomass and operation shall be sustained on continuous basis till the optimum results are achieved. Besides, a deweeding operation for removal of unwanted macrophytes weeds is also under process in 32 sections near the shoreline and so far 7,00,000 Cums of weeds have been removed from the Dal waters.
While speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need of arresting the sewage which goes into the lake untreated as well as taking special measures to control the inflow of nutrients and phosphorus via inlet channels originating in the hinterlands.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He stressed that the labours engaged in deweeding activity be provided with the packed food packets in order to increase their working hours, so that maximum progress is achieved under the activity since the outgrowth of lilly patches has overtaken 5 Sq. Km surface area of the lake and their complete removal is in the best interest of maintaining lake’s ecology and preventing further expansion of lilly patches.
After flagging off the second phase of “Swachhatta Hi Sewa” of LAWDA for shoreline deweeding, the Governor visited Charchinari and reviewed the progress achieved on removal of lilly pads. The Governor appreciated the initiative of the Authority to provide skilled labours with sun caps and coloured uniform, so that they are identifiable and their presence is monitored during the work.
He impressed upon the need of taking forward the biological intervention programme for cleaning of the lake and directed Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department to constitute a permanent standing group of limnological scientists and subject matter specialists alongside Scientific Advisory Committee for a broad based coordination and conversion of ideas for preservation of the lake.
The Governor also directed Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar to liaise with Principal Chief of Forests and Floriculture Department for lopping off the dried out chinar trees at Char-Chinari and translocation of fresh trees on the embankments of Char-Chinari.
While reviewing the progress of mechanical deweeding, the Governor expressed his concern for less number of machines employed for the purpose and stressed that the pending issue of procurement of lake cleaning machinery and equipment, may be fort out by placing the matter before a Cabinet Sub Committee for an early decision in the matter, so that adequate number of machines are pressed into service for lake management.
The Governor was accompanied during his visit to Char-Chinari by Commissioner/Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Shri Hirdish Kumar, Vice Chairman, LAWDA Dr. Hafeez Masoodi, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Dr. Abid Rashid Shah, Commissioner, SMC and a number of engineers and civil and police officers. (KNS)