Karloop Lake dies silent death due to Govt’s apathy

Srinagar: Stating that Jammu’s famous Karloop lake, located in Karloop village of Marh sub division has been losing its glory, the Environment Awareness Forum (EAF) has sought personal intervention of Governor Satya Pal Malik to bring it to its original form.

Situated in the heart of city, the lake is just 15 Kms away from City centre of Jewel Chowk.

“It needs to be retrieved. It is losing its pristine glory. If immediate preservation measures are not taken its extinction is not far away,” said president, Bhushan Lal Parimoo.

“The Dogras always ensured its well-being. At times the inhabitants living around used to clean it themselves,” he said.

Parimoo said that the lotus plants, which used to grow in the lake, had great significance as the Jammu people used to use it for various purposes.

“The lotus leaves were used for various rituals during festivals and marriages,” he said.

“Presently, the pond is full of garbage and unnecessary bushes. To make things worse some have started encroaching on it also,” he added.

Accusing various departments including forest, environment, and soil conservation for the bad condition of the lake, Parimoo appealed them to wake up from the slumber.

“It is one of the glaring examples of dereliction of duties. It symbolizes Dogra heritage. It is high time to retrieve the past glory of the lake to make it again an attraction, not only for the locals, but for the tourists,” he said.

“The villagers approached the concerned authorities several times, but except for assurance nothing came to their hand,” he added.