Experts point out high risk, restrictions for Ramsar sites
U’khand agency to help solving sinking problem at Surinsar
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Oct 2: The much-talked about water based activities at Mansar lake and Baglihar Hydroelectric Project dam site are unlikely to become reality because of experts’ opinion regarding huge risk and restrictions imposed for the Ramsar sites. Moreover, there is no possibility of creation of more facilities in the tourist spots of Surinsar and Mansar because of limited budget of the Development Authority coupled with conditions imposed by the Wildlife Protection Department.
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During the past several years, it is being repeatedly stated that water based activities will be started at Mansar lake and Baglihar Project dam site in order to attract more tourists. However, official sources privy to the exercise conducted in this regard told EXCELSIOR, “such activities are unlikely to become reality as experts have not given favourable opinion”.
“As far as Baglihar Hydroelectric Project dam site is concerned, neither National Institute of Water Sports Goa nor foreign experts in white water rafting have found the idea feasible because of strong current of the Chenab River water and associated huge risk”, they informed, adding “going against the opinion of the experts would not be a wise decision as such nothing is being planned at present”.
The teams had given clearance to only two sites-one each in Doda and Rajouri and water based activities will be started at these sites shortly to attract more tourists.
About the water based activities at Mansar lake, sources said, “since Mansar lake is a Ramsar site as such even motor boats cannot be operated as the same will disturb aquatic life. Starting water sports activities in this water body of international importance is not possible in the light of restrictions imposed under the International Treaty”.
“Further, the Wildlife Department of J&K UT doesn’t permit the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority to raise any infrastructure which disturbs the ecology of the area. Only eco-friendly facilities can be created, which at present have not been planned”, sources informed, adding “even otherwise this Development Authority doesn’t have enough budget to take up any major project for Surinsar, Mansar, Utterbehni and Purmandal”.
It is pertinent to mention here that like some other Development Authorities, the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority is getting merely Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.25 crore every year, which is not sufficient if new facilities are to be created for the tourists.
Meanwhile, experts will be engaged after the lifting of Model Code of Conduct for addressing the problem of sinking of road around Surinsar lake. During every monsoon, the road gets damaged leaving the expenditure made for its construction unfruitful besides causing immense difficulties to the tourists visiting the spot.
“Now, it has been decided to engage experts of Uttarakhand based agency to ascertain the cause behind repeated sinking of road and suggest remedial measures”, sources said, adding “after the Assembly elections are over the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority will sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the agency in this regard”.
They further said, “this time the road will be reconstructed only after the expert advise so that full stop is put on the loss being suffered every year during monsoon season”, adding “since the Uttarakhand based agency is also involved in the construction activities the possibility of getting this project executed through it cannot be ruled out”.
When contacted, the concerned officers, while wishing anonymity, admitted that water based activities at Baglihar dam and Mansar lake are unlikely to be started. “Still, we will explore other options so as to attract tourists at these places”, they added.
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