The assurance came after NLCO chairman Manzoor Wangnoo met JKLCMA Vice Chairman Khurshid Ahmad Shah and discussed the roadmap for the scientific restoration and long-term conservation of the twin urban lakes.

 

According to an NLCO statement, Shah informed Wangnoo that restoration and conservation works had commenced with full vigour and that the authority was committed to scientific management, demarcation and protection of lake boundaries, deployment of restoration machinery, and sustained field-level interventions to revive the ecological health of the lakes.

 

Welcoming the initiative, Wangnoo said the renewed commitment of JKLCMA had generated fresh optimism among environmental stakeholders and local communities working for the revival of Gilsar and Khushalsar under the community-led "Mission Ehsaas" campaign.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

He appreciated the proactive approach of the JKLCMA vice chairman and the efforts of the authority in prioritising restoration measures.

 

Wangnoo also expressed gratitude to Housing and Urban Development Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur for her support and interest in the rejuvenation of the lakes and acknowledged the support of the local MLA for the conservation initiative.

 

Reaffirming NLCO's commitment, Wangnoo said environmental restoration required coordinated efforts by government agencies, civil society and local communities.

 

"Mission Ehsaas has demonstrated that community participation can become a powerful force for environmental conservation. NLCO stands firmly with JKLCMA and will continue extending every possible support to ensure that Gilsar and Khushalsar are restored," he said.

 

The organisation expressed hope that the ongoing restoration measures would help revive Srinagar's historic urban wetlands and contribute to the conservation of Kashmir's natural heritage.(KNS).