Govt determined to restore pristine glory of Dal, Nageen Lakes: Dy CM

SRINAGAR, JULY 07: “Not only Dal and Nageen lakes are required to be revived, beautified, but the entire surrounding of the lake demand massive beautification drive,” said Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, while having day-long visit of Dal and Nagin Lakes, Pokhribal and all its surrounding areas including Hazratbal, North Fore-Shore road (NFR), Shalimar, Nishat, Brain, Boulevard road, Dalgate and other areas.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu and Vice Chairman, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Irfan Yasin and senior-level officers and concerned engineers of LAWDA and SMC.

Tara Chand said Dal and Nageen lakes are not only epitome of scenic beauty of Srinagar but their national and international environmental importance has been acknowledged since times immemorial.

Last month, the Deputy Chief Minister, along with senior officers, had made a visit to this area and today within one month, outcome of his instructions was reflected on ground. He appreciated the concerned department for quick action taken for preservation of lakes and beautification of its surroundings.

It was only in the late Sixties when traditional parapet, which has archive value, was constructed from Dalgate up to Lam, but within only one month, as per the instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister, the parapet has been extended from Lam to Nishat and the work to to connect it up to Hazratbal is in accelerated mode. The work is going on round-the-clock to extend the parapet to holy Hazratbal Shrine, covering entire area of NFR.

Tara Chand personally inspected landscaping work on NFR, which is presently in progress and shall help to enhance surrounding beauty of the lake. While detecting the old junkyard of LAWDA on the sides of NFR near Ishbar, Nishat, he gave on-spot instructions to immediately remove it within 15 days so that this patch of land is turned into a piece of beauty and merged with the natural captivating atmosphere of the area. He also advised LAWDA authorities to develop available 13 kanal of land on the sides of NFR into a beautiful park.

The Deputy Chief Minister visited Dal dwellers colony, inhabitants of which have been rehabilitated. He interacted with them for development of the area. He also inspected the under-execution work on roads.

Tara Chand instructed SMC to construct a modern bus-stop in front of Nishat Garden which should be a symbol of beauty and a piece of great architecture.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected the Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS), work on which is presently underway at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 crore. He gave directions to LAWDA for immediate commissioning of the same and kept July 22 as deadline.

On a surprise check of sewerage line being laid outside National Institute of Technology (NIT) and Brain, the Deputy Chief Minister gave instructions were to executing agencies for proper quality check. Vice Chairman, LAWDA, was asked to submit a detailed report about the material used. SE, LAWDA was instructed to remain stationed to personally check ongoing works.

Tara Chand, while going deep inside the lake, interacted with the people and shikara owners, assuring them that the government is conscious to their rehabilitation but at the same time expressed determination of the government to restore Dal Lake to its original pristine glory. (NAK)