Looking to the precarious condition of the famous Dal lake in respect of the high levels of pollution of its waters and aquatic life coupled with large chunks of its area encroached upon to the extent of cluster of houses built , the judicial intervention to save it and protect it is quite encouraging and providing a glimmer of hope of revival of this lake somewhere near to its glory.
State High Court, in this connection , wants a full fledged survey undertaken by the Surveyor General of India to survey the Dal Lake and to examine all available maps followed by placing a report regarding the demarcation of this lake. The Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice has directed Lakes and Water Development Authority (LAWDA) to submit an inventory of the land owned by it to the Committee of Experts and also take other measures to protect the same. The Government has still not come up with the rehabilitation of the Dal dwellers and the DB has directed it to formulate a proper policy in this regard. There are many unregistered house boats floating on the Lake and the DB has asked the Government to specify the manner in which they could be removed.
It is, however, heartening to know that that the State Government is probably examining the possibility of formally declaring Dal Lake area as Eco- Sensitive Zone under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act 1986.
Follow our WhatsApp channel