NLCO presents Gilsar-Khushalsar conservation framework to Tarigami

Srinagar, Jul 27: The Core Group of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) on Sunday met Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Environment, Government of J&K, Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami, at his official residence at Gupkar.

A statement of the NLCCO issued here said that the meeting centred around a comprehensive proposal for the conservation and restoration of the Gilsar-Khushalsar twin lakes.

The NLCO Core Group delegation, led by NLCO Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo, comprised noted psychiatrist Dr Mushtaq Margoob, urban and regional planner Iajaz Ahmad Naqshbandi, former secretary JKBOSE, Farooq A Peer, Bilaliya Educational Institute Principal, Nisar Ahmad, and NLCO Managing Committee member, Riyaz Ahmad.

The delegation shared key insights into the transformative impact of Mission Ehsaas, a community-driven environmental initiative that has spearheaded restoration works at Gilsar and Khushalsar over the past four years. A formal Gilsar-Khushalsar Conservation and Management Proposal was presented, outlining targeted interventions including scientific dredging, wetland demarcation, sewage redirection, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Wangnoo emphasised the pivotal role of administrative will and community engagement in environmental revival.

He noted the symbolic significance of the Lieutenant Governor’s inauguration of Mission Ehsaas Phase 4 in 2024 at Sazgaripora, where a threatened water body was reclaimed for the public good.

“Mission Ehsaas has shown that when governance, community, and expertise converge, environmental restoration becomes achievable. But for long-term success, structured policy support is now imperative,” he said.

The statement said that Tarigami appreciated the participatory spirit of NLCO’s efforts and acknowledged the importance of community-led environmental stewardship.

“This is not just about conservation, it’s about protecting our cultural and ecological identity,” the NLCO statement quoted Tarigami as having said.

“Tarigami assured the delegation that their proposal would be taken up with sincerity and seriousness,” the statement said.

A brief visual presentation of NLCO’s work was also shared during the meeting.

As part of this shared vision, it was resolved that a mega plantation drive would be launched in the upcoming planting season from November across multiple identified eco-sensitive zones in Kashmir.

Farooq Peer underlined the broader significance of water bodies in Srinagar, saying, “These lakes are not just ecological assets but major tourist attractions. A clean and vibrant capital city sets the tone for similar efforts across Jammu and Kashmir.”

Iajaz Ahmad Naqshbandi stressed the need for a balanced approach, saying, “We must strike a responsible trade-off between urban expansion and environmental conservation. Both can coexist with thoughtful planning.”

Dr Mushtaq Margoob issued a grave but urgent call to action, saying, “Kashmir today is like a chronic patient in the ICU. Every stakeholder must awaken from slumber or risk witnessing the irreversible death of our natural heritage.”

The statement said that the meeting concluded with a strong consensus that ecological sustainability must be embedded in policy, planning, and public consciousness and that collective responsibility was the only way forward.