‘Ensure scientific conservation of Gilsar-Khushalsar lakes’

Srinagar, Jul 11: Nageen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has sought scientific measures to restore the glory of Gilsar and Khushalsar lakes in Downtown.

“With sustained public interest, administrative support, and the involvement of civil society, these lakes are finally being recognised for their ecological, cultural, and tourism potential. The landmark decision by the J&K administration to hand over the lakes to the Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) has been widely lauded as a pivotal move toward their sustainable restoration,” said NLCO Chairman Manzoor Wangoo

“We thank the administration, the Chief Minister and the Cabinet, and especially Secretary H&UDD for this bold and timely step,” said Wangnoo who has led the Mission Ehsaas campaign for over four years to clean and revive these urban lakes.

Mission Ehsaas was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann ki Baat broadcast and later its phase-4 inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in 2024 at Sazgaripora.

Stakeholders have pointed out that LCMA has deployed one dredging machine at Khushalsar, a move that is seen as positive “but not sufficient.” “The conservation work has started, but at a very slow pace. One machine alone cannot deliver the results we need. We fear that if the muck isn’t managed properly, it could be misused by land mafia to encroach on the lakebed,” said a concerned stakeholder.

Meanwhile, Wangnoo emphasised the need for a dedicated LCMA Division specifically for Gilsar-Khushalsar with adequate men, machinery, and monitoring capacity to ensure that the rejuvenation is “not just symbolic but results in real ecological recovery.” He further urged that the Revenue Department must extend full cooperation for timely demarcation of lake boundaries, so encroachments can be checked proactively.

Stakeholders have also urged the police to investigate and take strict action against trucks that are allegedly bringing mud from Ali Jan Road to illegally fill waterbodies, as such activities completely sabotage conservation efforts.