Proposal for taking over Gilsar, Khushal sar being drafted
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 12: While the lily extraction process is currently being carried out in full swing in Dal and Nigeen Lake, the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) is eyeing cleaning the lily-infested areas by the end of October and then focusing entirely on the maintenance of the water bodies.
In this regard, the officials told Excelsior that the lily extraction is being carried out in various spots in the Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake apart from selected spots in the Dal interiors aimed at preventing the further spread of the lily.
VC, LCMA, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat told Excelsior that the main spots for the lily extraction include, Pokhribal, Saderbal side of Nigeen, internal areas from Ashai Bagh such as Sofi Mohalla and Til Mohalla. “In these areas, the work is on in full swing, while we are focusing to get it done within next few months at the maximum,” he said.
Apart from carrying out the extraction at the mentioned spots, the LCMA has also stationed 2 weed grabber machines in the Hazrabtal basin which are also ensuring the extraction of lily, said to be invasive and spreading fast if not attended to well in time.
“The cleaning is on at these spots, including the spots which fall in the Dal interiors; apart from this, there is a water master stationed in the internal Dal which is currently restoring the channels,” he said.
He said that the lily extraction is now going on since last year and that there is a considerable change visible on the ground. Also, the LCMA earlier shared a picture comparing the lily infestation with the years 2021 and 2022 in the Dal Lake near Char Chinari, showing visible changes.
VC LCMA said that the spot at the back of the Char Chinari and another spot at the back of the Dole Demb are as of now pending. “But, these too, are going to be taken up as a part of the overall lily extraction of Dal Lake,” he said.
Bhat said that they have set a target of completing the task of lily extraction by the season end-which is October-and, after that, they will focus on the maintenance for which they are also set to receive two high-end machines soon.
On the matter of the Government handing over the Khusalsar and Gilsar to the LCMA for proper maintenance and conservation, Bhat said that they have been directed to draft a proposal in this regard and that the Government will take a final call on the same.
He said that have been receiving representations from the locals seeking proper upkeep of the twin water bodies by the LCMA and that the same stands forwarded to the higher authorities in this regard.
“We are in a process of drafting the proposal in this regard, however, the Government will take a final on this once the process begins for the effective and long-term maintenance and conservation of the twin water bodies,” he said.
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