Chief Secretary chairs Dal Monitoring Committee meeting

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 25: Chief Secretary B B Vyas on Monday chaired the 12^th meeting of the Monitoring Committee for Preservation and Conservation of Dal-Nageen Lake.

Director General of Police, S P Vaid, Amicus Curie, Zaffar Ahmad Shah, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner/Secretary H&UDD, Commissioner/ Secretary, Forests Ecology & Environment, IGP Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Commissioner/Secretary Tourism, Secretary, Law Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, VC LAWDA, Director Fisheries, Kashmir, MD Housing Board and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

The Committee reviewed the progress achieved in regard to formulation of comprehensive legal frame work for the enactment of strong legislation for preservation of all water bodies in the state, proposal for establishing dwelling units at Rakh-i-Arth, demarcation of 200m zone from the periphery of Dal Nigeen lake with proper signages and geo-tagging, installation CCTV cameras, strengthening of the enforcement wing of LAWDA, purchase of machinery & equipment for the cleaning of Dal-Nigeen lakes from weeds and lily pads.

The Committee took stock of the status of implementation of the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) with regard to creation of artificial wetlands, rejuvenation of six existing wetlands/retention ponds/reed belts, assessment of pesticides and conversion of de-weeded material into compost, Water Quality Analysis , Vegetation Mapping for assessment of area wise concentration of macrophytes, planning future de-weeding strategies and retention of useful native species, Portable Eco Sounder for Scientific bathymetric survey, Hydro-dynamic flow pattern and 3D modelling of the lake bed etc.

Chief Secretary stressed on LAWDA to draw up specific timelines for implementation of the decisions of the SAC and the Dal Monitoring Committee.

The Committee also reviewed the progress in regard to development of Dole Demb and Rejuvenation and Revival of Brari Numbal Lagoon at Srinagar.

Vice Chairman LAWDA informed the Committee that de-weeding operation in Dal Lake is in full swing and 400-500 skilled labourers have been engaged in the activity. He said close to 0.8 km² area of Lake surface has been cleared of lilly patches with the help of skilled manpower and machinery. He added that de-weeding of unwanted macrophytes is also underway in 32 sections and till date 7000 cums of weeds have been removed manually.  

IGP Kashmir informed the Committee that an additional company consisting of 45 police personnel has been kept at the disposal of the enforcement wing of LAWDA.

The Committee asked LAWDA and the Forest Department to evaluate the possibilities for conversion of de-weeded material into compost. Chief Secretary also stressed on installation of more aerators in the Dal Lake besides intensifying night patrolling to check illegal fishing in Dal Lake.

It was also informed that a special drive was carried for 100% Aadhaar enrolment of Dal Dwellers.