LAWDA holds 6th Scientific Advisory Committee meet

SRINAGAR, MARCH 15: The Sixth Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) on the preservation of Dal and Nigeen lakes was held today at SKICC.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of SAC Chairman and Ex. Member National Green Tribunal New Delhi (NGT) Dr A.R Yousuf, VC LAWDA Dr A.H Masoodi, Advisor to CM Pradeep Singh, Senior Advocate Zaffar Shah, Members of SAC: Dr D.P. Zutshi, Dr. G. Balachandar, Dr Pinaka Sar, Dr Ashok Kumar Pandita, Mohammad Shafi Bacha, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Shah, Conservator Forests Irfan Ali Shah and HOD NIT Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather.

Besides, the meeting was also attended by experts, officials of LAWDA and Forest Department.

Threadbare discussions were held on various aspects of the conservation of Dal lake like deweeding and uprooting of Lily pads, occurrence and infestation of Azolla, Algal bloom, Water analysis, vegetation mapping, Assessment of pesticides and conversion of de-weeded material, vision document, monitoring of pesticide residues, Biodiversity and conversion of Dal weed into compost.

Prominent Lawyer Zaffar Shah stressed on the need to create mass awareness to preserve Dal and Nigeen lakes for the future generation.

On the occasion, VC LAWDA highlighted the ongoing conservation works in and around Dal and Nigeen lakes. He said that a special drive for removal of lily pads, both manually and mechanically, has been started from August 2017 and so far one sq km area has been cleared.

He further said that the department is working round-the-clock on strengthening of the research and monitoring division, procurement of latest types of equipment, removal of Azolla and other pesticides in the lake waters and other preventive measures are being taken to save native fish species in the lake that are being carved out in a result-oriented manner so that the pristine glory of Dal and Nigeen lakes is restored. 

Later, Ecologists from International Institute of Sustainable Development Switzerland Laurin Wuewnenberg & George Pallaske made a power-point presentation about the conservation of Dal and Nigeen lakes on the scientific lines.

The chairman SAC emphasized on the need of cross-checking different research and studies before embarking on the adoption of their recommendations on a large scale.

He said that Consultants engaged for the preparation of vision document should discuss in detail any shortcomings pointed out by the SAC members and come out with necessary corrective measures.