MLA Farooq Shah flags off dragon boats for Dal Lake cleanliness drive

Srinagar, Oct 2: To mark Gandhi Jayanti, the J&K Dragon Boat Association (JKDBA) organised a cleanliness drive at Dal Lake on Thursday, with MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah flagging off the dragon boats to launch the initiative.

The event, as per a statement, saw participants collecting plastic waste and debris, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and community participation.

Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Gulmarg, was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking to media persons, he lauded the efforts of JKDBA and assured his full support in promoting dragon boating as a sport in Jammu & Kashmir so that it becomes accessible to all sections of society and helps produce national and international medal winners in the future.

Among those present were M S Punoo (IPS Retd.), President of JKDBA; Er Aamir Ali, Senior Vice President of JKDBA; and Er Muzamil Rafiqi, Superintending Engineer of LCMA, besides office bearers of JKDBA, Farooq Ahmad Bhat (coach), Zain ul Abidin (gold medallist), students, media representatives and local enthusiasts.

The participants, equipped with gloves and biodegradable bags, collected plastic waste and other debris from the lakefront and adjoining areas, sending out a strong message of environmental conservation, collective responsibility, and sustainable tourism.

JKDBA announced that similar cleanliness drives will be organised regularly and urged citizens to join hands in keeping Dal Lake clean and beautiful.