SMC, NLCO join hands to revive dying springs at Anchar

Srinagar, Feb 27: In a bid to revive dying springs, Srinagar Municipal Corporation in collaboration with Nigeen Lake Conservation Association (NLCO) today kick-started the restoration of a spring at  Shalbaf Mohalla of Anchar under Mission Ehsaas Phase-5.

The programme is being undertaken in association with Kashmir Concern and Nigeen Tourist Traders Association. The event saw the participation of various stakeholders. Amid the rising concern of water security and environmental concerns, NLCO has been on a mission to restore various water bodies across Kashmir in collaboration with the administration.

Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo said that in the past, they have worked to undertake cleaning drives in water bodies like Khushalsar and Gilsar. He said that they had identified the spring at Anchar area and started its restoration today in collaboration with SMC and other stakeholders.

“Today, we are restoring eleventh spring under mission Ehsaas so that in a few weeks, the water is available for local use here. There are more springs in the area which is in bad state. If the work is done properly and people also join hands, these springs can full fill the drinking water needs of the whole area. Today, we started restoration of spring outlet by cleaning it. By the end of next month, we are hopeful that we will be able to dedicate this spring back to people for use,” Wangnoo said.

Wangnoo said NLCO is doing it bit to restore water bodies and springs. “But government must construction a drainage system and ensure solid waste management to prevent pollution of natural resources, especially springs and water bodies,” he said,

Joint Commissioner SMC Abdul Qasim, who was also part of the program, said that SMC would provide all the necessary help for such a noble cause.

“We have worked with NLCO before in such programs, and we hope that more stakeholders will join for the betterment of the society. We also have a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at restoring springs in Srinagar, but this program is an additional initiative that every stakeholder should join. We are also providing men and machinery in such programs to do our part,” Qasim said.

To mention the mission Ehasas is an ongoing mission to revitalise natural water sources and enhance environmental sustainability in the region. People of the area hailed the endeavour of SMC and NLCO  area. They said such initiatives are vital in preserving the environment and safeguarding the natural heritage, like freshwater springs in Kashmir.