| News Details |
| “Let’s Care For Our Lakes Together”: NLCO calls for community support in restoring Gilsar-Khushalsar Lakes | |
Srinagar, July 13 (Scoop News)- In a significant push towards the scientific revival of Srinagar’s urban lakes, the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) convened a crucial Core Group meeting to chart the future roadmap for the restoration of Gilsar and Khushalsar two ecologically vital lakes recently handed over to the Jammu & Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LCMA).
The meeting brought together a panel of experts and stakeholders from diverse sectors, including environment, urban planning, psychiatry, education and civil society. Participants hailed the government's move as a long-overdue but promising step, one that could mark a historic turning point in the environmental rejuvenation of downtown Srinagar.
NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo emphasized the need for long-term commitment, stating “We cannot afford to treat our lakes as seasonal projects. Gilsar and Khushalsar need sustained, scientific and community-backed restoration. This handover to LCMA is a historic opportunity, and we must all rise above tokenism to make it a true success.”
Adding momentum to the initiative, Farooq Gillani (IFS Retd.), Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, remarked “This is a long-overdue but highly welcome step by the government. These lakes have suffered decades of neglect. Now, with LCMA’s professional expertise, there’s a real chance for sustainable revival.”
The Core Group acknowledged the recent deployment of a Watermaster dredger at Khushalsar by LCMA but stressed the urgency of scaling up operations. Experts underscored the need for multiple dredging machines and continuous intervention to tackle the heavy siltation and ecological degradation these lakes have endured.
Engineer Iajaz Naqshbandi, Urban and Regional Planner, warned against ad-hoc interventions “Demarcation is critical, but what follows must be based on sound hydrological principles and constant vigilance. Poorly planned efforts could unintentionally aid encroachments.”
Beyond the technical concerns, the emotional and cultural significance of these lakes was deeply emphasized.
Dr. Mushtaq Margoob, renowned psychiatrist, stated “These lakes are more than environmental assets, they are part of our collective identity. Their deterioration reflects societal stress; their revival can be deeply therapeutic.”
Educationists and civil society leaders echoed these sentiments, urging public participation, school-level awareness and broader community sensitization.
Other notable attendees included Dr. Farooq Ahmad Peer – Former Secretary, JKBOSE, Nisar Ahmad – Principal, Bilaliya Educational Institute, Riaz Wangnoo – Managing Committee Member, NLCO and Touseef Bhat – Social Activist and Special Invitee.
The NLCO reaffirmed its commitment to submit a detailed memorandum to higher authorities, demanding fast-tracked dredging, scientific lakefront development and full community involvement.
The meeting concluded with a powerful collective resolution “Together, with honesty and the right knowledge, we can bring these lakes back to life and make them the heart of our city once again.”
The gathering concluded with a spirit of unity, shared purpose and firm determination to bring back the lost beauty of Gilsar and Khushalsar through teamwork and scientific efforts.
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