Sir,
This has a reference to news item “Govt fails to restore Dal lake”, published in DE May 31, 2018.
It is sorry state of affairs that the restoration of world famous Dal lake could not be completed even after spending crores of rupees by all the successive State Governments and the High Court has to intervene to safe-guard this most important water-body. It is pertinent to mention here that the lakes in Kashmir region receive some attention of the Government as being situated in political priority area. The condition of lakes of Jammu region is totally different. There is nobody in the political circles to care for these most beautiful lakes called Mansar, Surinsar, Sanasar and many others. Due to constant neglect on the part of the Government these lakes look like dying lakes. If immediate steps are not taken for the protection and conservation of these lakes we will read about their glory in history books in near future. Thousands of people from Jammu region perform religious rituals alongside these lakes as these lakes inherit great historic and religious importance.
The vast open area of these lakes has been encroached upon to construct houses, markets and guest houses. There is a race to construct Govt guest houses on the banks of these lakes only for the comfort of officers and no contribution to public welfare. There is no check on water and soil pollution and the Development Authority seems to be inactive. The traditional flow of rain water from catchment areas has been blocked by construction and human activities alongside lakes. Wild grass and mud has covered all sides of lakes and there is no activity seen on ground for proper cleaning and de-silting of lakes. There are many other lakes in Jammu region facing extinction like one called Dera-Talab, a mini-lake in Tehsil Chenani. This lake is now totally, covered with wild grass and mud as not even a single rupee has been spent to safe-guard this very beautiful lake even from tourism point of view. Both the Centre and State Government are requested to ensure conservation and protection of Jammu lakes on the pattern of Valley lakes because these lakes are directly linked to cultural, historical and religious heritage of this region.
Rajinder Chand Anthal
Anthal House Chenani
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