‘Take measures for revival of Gilsar-Khushalsar’

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) led by its Chairman, Manzoor Wangnoo, on Wednesday met the newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, at his office chambers in Nishat.

A statement of NLCO issued here said that the meeting marked a significant step toward building a renewed partnership for the scientific conservation and rejuvenation of Kashmir’s urban water bodies.

During the interaction, the NLCO Chairman extended his sincere congratulations to the Vice-Chancellor on his new assignment and expressed optimism that his tenure will bring fresh vision, energy, and commitment to the cause of lake conservation.

A detailed memorandum was presented, focusing on the twin urban lakes of Gilsar and Khushalsar — regarded as the kidneys of Dal and Nigeen Lakes. The memorandum outlined both short- and long-term proposals for their restoration and emphasised the urgent need for creating a dedicated subdivision for Khushalsar to ensure effective, on-ground management and monitoring.

Wangnoo, along with his team comprising Dr Mushtaq Margoob, Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmad, Riyaz Ahmad and Abdul Rehman, and Maksood Madari, apprised the VC of NLCO’s sustained four-year-long efforts under Mission Ehsaas, in partnership with the administration and local stakeholders, that have helped revive the dying stretches of these critical water bodies.

He reiterated that collaborative governance and continued administrative support are key to sustaining the gains made so far.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with assurances of close coordination between LCMA and NLCO in the ongoing and future conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of Kashmir’s lakes.