Srinagar, Dec 10, (KNS): President Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO), Manzoor Wangnoo on Friday emphasized upon the need to conserve water bodies and wetlands of Kashmir as this will prove beneficial to the future generations.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) on the sidelines of a day-long environmental symposium tiltled “our relation with nature” which was organized by NIT Srinagar in collaboration with Social Forestry, Ecology Environment and remote Sensing(J&K) and Nigeen lake Conservation organization, Manzoor said that the wetlands and water bodies of Kashmir have dried up due to wastes etc. 

“We have to work positively for preserving the natural bounties of the Valley. People’s participation will play a major role in the conservation of water bodies and wetlands of Kashmir. After 30 years, the Kusharsar lake has been made again pleasant. The administration now is working on Gilsar lake, Nallah Mirkhan and Pokhribal lakes,” he said. 

He said that similarly government has taken the cleaniless drive of Dal Lake and its front portion has been cleaned. “A ray of hope has emerged that all the water bodies will be made beautiful again. The interior of Dal Lake is still in bad condition and more work is required to preserve it and its beauty.”

Manzoor said that today he was honoured with the award of Environmental Green Ambassador of Jammu and Kashmir. “I want to dedicate this award to my parents and to the team of Nigeen Lake conservation. The stakeholders of Nigeen lake, Kusharsar, Gilsar and Vecharnag have worked dedicately and this award goes to all these people.” 

He said that the people should be aware that water bodies of Kashmir are to be conserved. “Me and my team will provide all the support to help the departments of irrigation, municipality, LCMA, in conserving the water bodies,” he said.

"I want to convey a message to the youth that they should support this cause as conserving of water bodies will be beneficial for the future generations,” he added.

He also said that today a plantation drive was carried out by Divisional Commissioner and be had emphasized to resume the navigation system so that water bodies could be preserved.

 "I want to congratulate Divisional Commssioner Kashmir who personally took the initiatives for rejuvenation of water bodies. I am thankful to him as he is making all the efforts for protecting the water bodies,” he added.(KNS)