SKUAST, LAWDA to undertake study for assessment of pesticides in Dal Lake

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 14: In order to evaluate strategies for scientific usage of the extracted weeds/lily biomass from Dal Lake, the SKAUST Kashmir and J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) have initiated collaborated efforts and constituted a committee to undertake a comprehensive study for assessment of pesticide residues in the Dal-Nigeen Lake.

The Committee consists of Vice Chairman J&K LAWDA, Director Research, Heads/Associate Professors of Department of Entomology, Environmental Sciences, RCRQ, Plant Pathology, Vegetable Science, Soil Science of SKUAST and Scientists of R&M Wing of J&K LAWDA.

Directorate of Research, SKAUST, and VC LAWDA conveyed Government’s nod to sponsor a comprehensive study for analysing the impact of pesticides on aquatic life, flora and fauna, water and sediment of Dal Lake. The study will also focus an impact of Dal based fruits and vegetable species on human health in light of some significant findings as found by SKIMS.

          Several important decisions were taken in the meeting, including a preliminary survey for identifying various pesticides used by the farmers within lake as well as in peripheries, a comprehensive study for assessment of pesticides and its impact on human health and converting of extracted weed/lily biomass into compost.

Vice Chairman LAWDA, Dr. Hafiz Masoodi, assured the Committee of sponsoring the study provided clear objectives are identified with specific timelines. SKUAST affirmed that its scientific and technological expertise shall be utilised for this greater social cause.

           It was decided that the DPR shall be submitted by SKUAST Kashmir to LAWDA within one month for formal approval of the Government for undertaking the studies in critical areas faced by lake ecology.