Srinagar, Aug 19 (KNO): J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA) Vice Chairman Khurshid Ahmad Shah on Wednesday directed officials to intensify cleaning operations in Dal Lake, with focused measures ordered around SKICC and Lalit Ghat ahead of the upcoming International Film Festival.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the Vice Chairman undertook an extensive on-site assessment of Dal Lake to take stock of the ongoing cleaning and conservation activities being carried out by the Authority.
The spokesperson said the Vice Chairman visited various locations of Dal Lake, particularly the Gagribal Basin, and reviewed the progress of the ongoing cleaning activities. He also reviewed the deployment of manpower and machinery, including Watermasters, harvesters and grabbers, and assessed the effectiveness of measures being undertaken to remove weeds, aquatic vegetation, accumulated waste and other floating material from different sections of the lake.
During the field inspection, the Vice Chairman identified specific locations for the deployment of hired lake-cleaning machinery and directed the concerned officers to ensure that it is deployed at the identified spots in a planned and effective manner to intensify the ongoing cleaning operations.
The spokesperson said Shah stressed the need for a systematic and area-specific approach to lake cleaning, with priority given to locations experiencing heavy weed infestation and excessive accumulation of aquatic vegetation.
He directed that focused cleaning measures be undertaken around SKICC and Lalit Ghat, where the 1st International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from September 7 to 10, 2026, ensuring that the designated areas are adequately cleaned and maintained ahead of the event.
He directed the field staff and concerned officers to maintain close monitoring of the cleaning operations and ensure that the machinery remains operational and is utilized to its optimum capacity. He also called for regular assessment of the cleaned areas to prevent the re-accumulation of weeds and waste.
Shah reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of Dal Lake and stressed that all ongoing interventions should be carried out with due regard to the ecological character of the lake—(KNO)