SRINAGAR, MARCH 16: The four member Committee of Experts (COE) appointed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir today conducted a high level meeting for the conservation, Management and Rehabilitation of Dal-Nigeen.

The meeting was convened by Lakes and Water Bodies Development Authority (LAWDA) to review the overall progress, preservation and protection of Dal lake.

The meeting was chaired by Dr E Shridaran, Principal Advisor, Committee of Experts.

The meeting was attended by Chairperson, COE, Dr Nivedita P Haran, Member, COE, MC Mehta, Principal Sec Housing And Urban Development, Deeraj Gupta, Vice-Admiral (R), S K Jha, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudary, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Dr Sehrish Asgar, VC, LAWDA, G Prasana Ramasawami, Secretary LAWDA, Syed Ahmad Khan, Senior Advocate of J&K High Court Altaf Naik and other officers.

The meeting had a threadbare discussion on rehabilitation of Dal dwellers and dredging of Dal Lake. Shridaran said that we need a decisive action plan for the protection of Dal lake. He also stressed on setting a deadline to complete the rehabilitation of the people living in Dal lake. He added that the place indentified for rehabilitation shall have external institutions including schools, hospital, commercial malls and parking facility.

Dr Nivedita P Haran said the process of rehabilitation should be completed within the duration of twelve to fifteen months. She also discussed that actual number of families to be relocated.

S K Jha informed the meeting that the navy will carry the hydrographic survey by potable sensors of the and will also dredge it as a goodwill programme.

Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Dheeraj Gupta informed the meeting that there shall be one category programme of township plan and the structures shall be developed on the pattern of three plus one high rise model.

VC, LAWDA, G Prasana Ramasawami said that the department has taken initiatives to start hamlet and mohala wise rehabilitation. He informed the chair that five mohalas have been completely rehabilitated till now.

Later on Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan also interacted with the members.