Red algae bloom defaces beauty of Dal Lake

Srinagar, Jun 15: A vast stretch of Dal Lake has turned brick red due to the presence of rampant red algae. The blooming of red algae speaks volumes about the ineffective de-weeding mechanism and strategy of the Lakes and Conservation Management Authority (LCMA), the erstwhile Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).
The blooming of red algae has defaced the beauty of this lake. LCMS blames people for the presence of red algae as it says that they (Dal dwellers) use extensive fertilizers and pesticides that pollute the lake, however, locals say LCMA never shows any interest in cleaning Dal Lake.
“All the events and programs organized in the name of Dal Lake are only photo ops and nothing else. De-weeding processes either manually or through machines have become a formality for the LCMA. It never makes contractors and laborers accountable.”
Red algae bloom is an indicator of heavy pollution in the water body. A Dal dweller Muhammad Sultan told news agency Kashmir News Trust that LCMA instead of taking measures to keep the lake crystal clean always pins blame on the people.
Experts believe that rapid urbanization, agricultural activities and the presence of municipal sewage has badly hit Dal Lake. “The more nutrition you will provide to the red algae in the form of pesticides and fertilizers, you more it will bloom. The day is not far when the whole Dal will turn brick red.”
LCMA is the custodian of this picturesque Dal Lake and if people are accused of polluting this lake then one can say safely that Lakes and Conservation Management Authority too has failed in its phony endeavor.
Incumbent Vice-Chairman Bashir Ahmed Bhat who is an IRS officer didn’t respond to the phone calls, however, a middle-rung official said that red algae will disappear as they will start a de-weeding process in the affected stretch. (KNT)