Srinagar, August 21: The Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), Thursday organised a Programme-cum-Brainstorming Session under the JK Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC)-funded project “A Participatory Integrated Approach for Rejuvenating Anchar Lake.”
MLA Hazratbal Constituency Salman Ali Sagar was chief guest on the occassion, along with Director Research, Prof. Haroon Naik; Director Extension, Prof. Rehana Habib Kant; Dean Faculty of Fisheries, Prof. Farooz Ahmad Bhat; Chairman NLCO, Manzoor Wangnoo; Altaf Naqashbandi, member of NLCO, Faculty members, students from various schools situated around Anchar Lake and members of the Anchar Lake community.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Salman Ali Sagar announced ₹10 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) towards the revival of springs feeding Anchar Lake, terming it a vital step for ecological and community well-being.
On behalf of NLCO, Chairman Mr. Manzoor Wangnoo highlighted the importance of linking Anchar’s water system with Wular to restore its natural flow and ecological balance.
From the health sector, Dr. Sheeraz from SKIMS informed the gathering that a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will shortly be made functional to stop the direct discharge of liquid waste into Anchar Lake.
The local inhabitants of Anchar shared their concerns and challenges, particularly the pollution, waste dumping, and declining fish catches, which are directly affecting their livelihoods. A representative from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) also spoke about the shortage of manpower for lake cleaning and requested the Hon’ble MLA to look into the issue.
The Director Research and the Director Extension assured that SKUAST-K would extend all possible support for the revival of Anchar Lake, working in close collaboration with all stakeholders. They emphasized that the University would provide comprehensive scientific assistance for the lake’s restoration.
During the programme, a Memorandum of Collaboration was signed between the Faculty of Fisheries and NLCO for rejuvenating one of the largest springs of Anchar. Colour-coded dustbins were distributed among fisher families to promote safe waste disposal, while storybooks prepared by the project team were given to school children to spread awareness about conservation.
The session concluded with a commitment to focus on three major areas for lake rejuvenation: solid waste management, liquid waste management, and revival of natural springs. A comprehensive report with recommendations from the discussions will be submitted to the Commissioner SMC, Director SKIMS, and the Hon’ble MLA for immediate action.
Comments are closed.