Action-driven initiative to restore Anchar Lake held at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Aug 21: An action-driven participatory initiative was organised today under the theme “Rejuvenating Anchar Lake: A Participatory Approach”, bringing together dignitaries, leaders, stakeholders, concerned administration officers, residents, students, and faculty members in a collective effort towards restoring one of Srinagar’s most neglected but ecologically vital lakes.

The event was presided over by MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, and witnessed the presence of eminent guests including Prof. (Dr) Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Dean Faculty of Fisheries; Prof. Raihana Kanth, Director Extension SKUAST-K; Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Research SKUAST-K; Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman NLCO; Prof. (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Sofi, HoD, Faculty of Fisheries, and several other noted academicians and stakeholders.

Dr. Adnan Abubakr gave a detailed presentation highlighting the historic significance of Anchar Lake, its ecological importance, and its present dilapidated condition caused by pollution, encroachments, and unplanned urbanisation.

An interactive session followed, in which stakeholders actively participated including students from Bilaliya Educational Institute, a team from SKIMS, concerned SMC officers, residents of Anchar, and faculty/students of Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K. The discussion centred on practical solutions, community participation, and the urgent need for sustained action.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar assured his full support, stating that he would raise his voice at every possible forum to help revive Kashmir’s water bodies, particularly Anchar Lake. NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo emphasised the importance of a practical, community-driven approach, remarking that “administration alone cannot do it, we, as custodians, have to come forward.”

Echoing the sentiment, Prof. Rizwana Malik highlighted the shared responsibility of all citizens in conservation, while Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik stressed the urgent need for a dedicated task force comprising government agencies, NGOs, and SKUAST experts to continuously monitor, prevent further degradation, and ensure timely rectification.

As part of the initiative, colour-coded dustbins were distributed among Anchar residents to encourage responsible waste management, and storybook distributions were held to educate and inspire students about lake conservation.

The main highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NLCO and the Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, aimed at rejuvenating one of the key springs feeding Anchar Lake a crucial step towards reviving this fragile ecosystem.

This participatory initiative has set the tone for collective, action-oriented lake conservation in Kashmir, creating a platform for science, policy, and community engagement to converge for the future of Anchar Lake.