Srinagar, Jul 31 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA) Vice Chairman Khurshid Ahmad Shah on Friday reviewed ongoing lake conservation and management works, directing officials to ensure timely execution, strengthen field monitoring and take strict action against encroachments, pollution and other activities affecting water bodies.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Vice Chairman convened a review meeting to assess the progress of ongoing conservation, protection and management activities being undertaken by the Authority across Jammu and Kashmir. All JKLCMA officers attended the meeting.
During the meeting, a detailed review of ongoing works and field activities was conducted. Shah stressed the need for time-bound execution, effective monitoring and regular field inspections to ensure coordinated and sustainable conservation of lakes and other water bodies.
The meeting also reviewed measures to protect water bodies from encroachments, illegal constructions, solid waste dumping and the discharge of untreated sewage. Officers were directed to maintain close coordination with field agencies and take prompt action against violations affecting water bodies.
The statement said progress on demarcation and removal of encroachments, cleaning and maintenance of water channels, outlets and other related works was also reviewed. Officers were asked to intensify field-level monitoring and ensure that cleared areas are protected from fresh encroachments.
Issues related to the 19 inlet channels flowing from the hinterland also came up for discussion. The Vice Chairman stressed the need to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of regulatory gates installed on these channels. He also directed that the J&K PCC be approached, in light of the High Court's directions, to seek a ban on the use of pesticides and chemicals by farmers in the hinterland, as these eventually flow into the inlet channels and deteriorate the lake's water quality.
The functioning and maintenance of aerators, fountains and other lake conservation infrastructure were also reviewed. Officials were directed to rectify deficiencies at the earliest and ensure that the infrastructure remains fully operational and properly maintained.
The Vice Chairman also stressed the need for regular submission of progress reports, proper documentation of works and close supervision of projects at the field level. Officers were directed to strictly adhere to timelines and submit updated status reports on ongoing works.
Reiterating that conservation of water bodies is a collective responsibility, Shah called for sustained efforts, better inter-departmental coordination and strict enforcement of relevant provisions to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir's fragile aquatic ecosystems for future generations—(KNO)