Srinagar, Sept 06 (KNS): SMC on Monday organized an awareness program regarding cleaning of Dal Lake that shall be organized in collaboration with LAWDA,  Srinagar Smart City Limited, J&K Forest Department, SDRF and Youth Service and Sports Department.

Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta was the chief guest on the occasion. He said Dal is a lifeline and they will clean it. "It is a mission, and we will set a deadline to complete this mission till it will be in its pristine glory."

He complimented for having installed 24 machines in the Dal for its cleaning and said that by May-June next year the Mission Dal would be completed.

Besides, Mehta said that people's and community participation is imperative in conserving and cleaning the Lake.

He said that they should start a joint campaign under My Dal Clean Dal in which people living around Dal, Dal dwellers and the citizens of the city should jointly make efforts to launch various cleanliness drives for reviving of Dal and all other wetlands.

He further said besides Dal every initiative and possible measure would be soon taken to revive and conserve all other wetlands and lakes.
 
Principal Secretary to Housing and Urban Development Department, Deeraj Gupta who was the guest of the Honor on the occasion said it is encouraging that besides being taken various initiatives and projects for cleaning of Dal and other water bodies that if people voluntarily will spur into action for cleaning water bodies in their neighborhoods from Dal lake.

He further said locals' movement including participatory approach of one and all, people from schools, universities, Colleges, Government and Private institutions are always a great move and a welcoming step to revive these wetlands and water bodies.

Principal Chief Secretary Forest, Mohit Gera, VC LAWDA Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Director Youth Services and Sports Gazanfar Ali and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The main Programs of Sanitation and Cleanliness drive in and around Dal Lake and Water Channels, Water sports in Dal, Painting Competition, Dal Lake ideation workshop for discussion and Idea Sharing were organized in Panun- Dal Fest.

Among speakers who spoke on Ideation on Conservation of Dal Lake were Professor Shakeel Ramshoo, Professor Dr Nazim Kashmir University, Dr Jahangir, Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmed Wangnoo, GR SIAH and Naushaad Gaurav.

A musical concert was also organized to raise awareness about cleanliness and conservation during the event. Chief Secretary at the conclusion of the event felicitated the winners of art competition. (KNS)