DC Srinagar reviews progress on restoration of Khushalsar, Gilsar Lakes

Srinagar, Dec 21: In order to accelerate the pace of the works being carried out for restoration of historical Water bodies in the District, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the progress of restoration measures undertaken for Khushalsar, Gilsar, Vicharnag, Anchar and Nigeen lakes.
The DC stressed on concerned officers to speed up the measures undertaken to revive decades-old glory of the historic water bodies in Srinagar. He directed them to carry out the dredging and cleaning work in the other parts of the Khushalsar and Gilsar.
Asad asked the concerned Revenue authorities to launch a massive anti encroachment drive along the Khushalsar, Gilsar and other water bodies and demolish all illegal structures. He further directed to carry out upstream interventions to arrest silt load at source, thereby reducing siltation of water bodies.
The DC also asked the officers to conduct a survey regarding identification of lost water springs in the peripheries of the water bodies in the City. He also directed for taking immediate measures for the restoration and rejuvenation of 16 water springs of Srinagar District in a time bound manner.
He said all possible measures shall be taken for revival of defunct springs by the removal of sediments and garbage to restore freshwater supply through inlets for maintaining the health of around water bodies.
While stressing that community participation for long term preservation, maintenance and sustainability of all water Bodies, the DC asked to involve local population who are actual guardians and have a pivotal role in identification of encroachments and in conservation of these historical water bodies.
He also directed NBCC authorities present on the occasion to prepare an efficient and viable Detailed Project Report for comprehensive sewerage treatment plant along all the historical water bodies in Srinagar so that long term measures are taken for the restoration, conservation and maintenance of Khushal, Gilsar, Vicharnag, Anchar, Nigeen and Nala-e Amir Khan.
With regard to development of a Chinar Park in Srinagar District, the DC asked the officers of Floriculture Department to submit a Project report for development of Chinar Park cum view site. He also stressed upon the Revenue authorities for identification of over 100 kanals of land for Chinar Bagh.
The DC said Chinar tree is the legacy of Kashmir and is a living heritage and has a deep Cultural value and the development of Chinar park at Shalteng will enhance the scenic beauty and environment in the area.
On the occasion, the DC was informed about the pace of ongoing work being carried out for removing encroachments, besides dredging and cleaning measures for restoration of all water bodies in the district.
Chief Planning Officer, Joint Commissioner, SMC, General Manager NBCC, Superintendent Engineers of UEED, Hydraulic Circle, Srinagar and LCMA, Tehsildars of Eidgah and South, besides officers from Floriculture, Forest and other concerned Departments were present in the meeting.