Sinking of land adjoining Surinsar lake
*Execution of project depends on funds mobilization
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 15: The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL) has submitted its findings regarding sinking of land adjoining Surinsar lake and Rs 37.99 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) to resolve the problem once for all. However, the execution of the project depends on the mobilization of funds as Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority doesn’t have enough resources at its disposal.
During every rainy season the road along the Surinsar lake sinks thereby causing immense difficulties for the visitors as well as inhabitants of the areas near the water body. The persistent problem also leads to wastage of money being spent on the repair works every year.
In order to resolve the problem once for all, the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority engaged Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL) in the month of September last year as technical consultant for providing the design solution to stabilize the sinking of tiled path and retaining wall at Surinsar lake (location from selfie point to Government Higher Secondary School located after selfie point Shamshan Ghat and location near Narsingh Temple).
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After detailed inspection through different experts, the THDCIL has submitted its findings to Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority, which will be examined and shared with the Tourism Department for further necessary action.
When contacted, an officer of THDCIL, who was deeply involved with the investigations carried out to ascertain the cause behind land sinking, told EXCELSIOR, “during the past few years the population density near the lake area has increased considerably but there is no proper drainage system for the inhabited area”, adding “due to this the finer particles like silt and clay are accumulating and contributing to sinking of land near the lake by reducing pore space, a process known as soil compaction or subsidence”.
Apart from the findings, the THDCIL has also submitted Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 37.99 crore to resolve the problem once for all, the officer informed, adding “as per the DPR the project can be completed within a period of one year after the award of the work”.
“The execution of this project depends on the mobilization of funds as Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority doesn’t have enough resources at its disposal”, official sources said, adding “the findings and DPR submitted by THDCIL will be submitted to the Tourism Department for further necessary action”.
Expressing inability to specify any time-frame for the start of the work on the project, sources said, “the Tourism Department will examine the report of THDCIL once the same is received from Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority and thereafter, funds will be arranged”, adding “it would be only after the arrangement of the funds that tenders will be floated to invite bids for execution of work”.
They informed that THDCIL will only supervise the execution of the project so as to ensure compliance to the provisions recommended in the report and DPR. “The THDCIL has also suggested the modality for the execution of the project so that during the stage of work the mobility of the people as well as visitors don’t get restricted”, sources added.
They further informed that apart from stabilization of land near the lake the construction of proper drainage system for the inhabited area has also been taken care of in the Detailed Project Report. “Now, the resolution of problem depends on how urgently the Tourism Department arranges funds for the project as Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority like most of the other Development Authorities is having meager resources at its disposal”, sources added.
It is worthwhile to mention here that Surinsar Lake, with its abundant natural beauty, is an ideal getaway for someone looking for tranquility and peace of mind. The quietness of forests around adds to serenity of this lake that is dominated by floating lotuses in summer time. Boating and swimming in this lake is restricted due to religious beliefs. A bird sanctuary around the lake is a favourite among bird watchers.
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