Conservation of Gilsar, Khushalsar lakes gets boost
Srinagar, Jun 28: In a major boost to the ongoing conservation efforts of Srinagar’s twin urban lakes—Gilsar and Khushalsar—the Lake Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) today deployed and initiated work using the Water Master at Sagzaripora side.
“This marks a significant and long-awaited first step toward restoring these fragile and historically neglected water bodies,” Chairman Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) Manzoor Wangnoo said in a statement.
Wangnoo hailed the proactive move by LCMA and appreciates the administration’s responsiveness. “The deployment of the Water Master comes after sustained efforts, advocacy, and community participation under NLCO’s Mission Ehsaas, which has already garnered praise from the Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor of J&K. While this development is highly welcome, there is still a long road ahead. The revival of these lakes will require a sustained and structured approach,” Wangnoo said.
Wangnoo recommended slew of short-term to lasting impact including solid waste removal from lake catchments and surface, demarcation of lake boundaries to prevent encroachments, dredging of accumulated silt and muck for restoring water flow and ecology, deployment of a dedicated task force with regular monitoring mechanisms, public sensitisation and awareness drives around the lake zones.
In long-term recommendations, Wangnoo demanded establishment of a full-fledged LCMA division specifically for Gilsar-Khushalsar with dedicated logistics and manpower, infrastructure development such as retaining walls, ghats, eco-friendly walkways, and viewing decks, sewerage and drainage management to stop direct inflow of waste into the lakes, integration of wetlands and springs feeding the lakes into a holistic conservation plan and periodic scientific assessments and real-time monitoring of water quality and biodiversity.
“These twin lakes are not just water bodies; they are cultural and ecological assets that, if revived, will ease urban flooding, recharge groundwater, boost eco-tourism, and serve generations to come,” he said.
Wangnoo also expressed deep gratitude to the Cabinet, headed by the Chief Minister, for approving the proposal submitted by the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to hand over these neglected lakes to LCMA for sustained conservation. “This decision is historic as it signals the beginning of structured, expert-driven lake management,” he said.
Wangnoo also extended gratitude to MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, for his consistent efforts in advocating for these lakes to be brought back onto the tourism map, calling his role “instrumental and timely.”
“The NLCO remains committed to working in close coordination with all departments and community stakeholders to ensure the ecological and cultural revival of Gilsar and Khushalsar becomes a sustainable reality,” Wangnoo added.
