The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has initiated a massive cleaning mission to clean the Dal Lake ahead of the onset of peak winter in Jammu and Kashmir.
LAWDA Executive Engineer Raman Opel said, “Our main aim is to remove lily pads for which we have deployed more than 1000 laborers. More than 50 percent of the area has been cleared. This process will continue till the winter sets in. We will stop it in December. This needs to be done to save Dal.”
The mission totally aims to clear weeds like lily pads, creepers, algae, water plants and other waste material present in the water body that is taking a heavy toll on the fragile ecosystem.
The LAWDA after initiating multiple drives using machines to clean the Dal Lake has now started relying on human power and has deployed 1500 skilled laborers within the lake.
Laborers are working in 42 sections of the infested area and are extracting it by traditional methods.
The Dal Lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral and one of the most noteworthy tourist destinations in the valley and attracts a large number of tourists from across the world every year.
The Dal Lake is also a major source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting in the valley.
