JAMMU, APRIL 27 (KNO) : Chief Secretary, B.B Vyas today chaired the 15th meeting of Monitoring Committee for Preservation and Conservation of Dal-Nigeen Lake. Financial Commissioner, Housing and Urban Development K.B Aggarwal, DGP S.P Vaid, Principal Secretary to CM Rohit Kansal, Secretary Law, Justice and PA Abdul Majid Bhat, Additional Secretary, Tourism Gulzar Ahmad, VC, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) Abdul Hafiz Shah were present in the meeting while as Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Baseer Ahmed Khan and IG, Kashmir S.P Pani participated in the meeting through video-conferencing.
The Committee discussed progress achieved and the action taken by the concerned agency related to estimation of pesticides in Dal Lake, conversion of de-weeded material into compost, creation of artificial wetlands, compilation of Water Quality Analysis Report, vegetation mapping, preparation of vision document, procurement of portable eco-sounder, development of Dole Demb, demarcation of Lake boundary and four-laning of boulevard.
The meeting also reviewed the progress on enactment of strong legislation for preservation of all water bodies in the state, establishment of dwelling units at Rakh-i-Arth, assessment of missing links under lake conservation and management programme related to arresting of sewer, demarcation of 200m zone from the periphery of Dal Nigeen lake with proper signages and geo-tagging, installation of CCTV cameras, strengthening of the enforcement wing of LAWDA, purchase of machinery & equipment for the cleaning of Dal-Nigeen lakes and de-weeding operation.
The Chief Secretary directed VC, LAWDA to frame weekly activity report on development of Dole Demb and inform SAC about it from time to time. He also directed for carrying out workshops, seminars, debates and other activities for creating sensitivity, awareness and stakeholder ship for conservation of water bodies in the state. The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir suggested that the pure water of Chashmashahi can be stored and utilized for supply in hospitals. VC, LAWDA informed that the process for preparation of DPR for strengthening of embankments of all Nallahs and channels have been undertaken and would be completed within 15 days.