Mission Ehsaas

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3 mins read
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It is heartening to know that Khushalsar lake has been restored to its pristine glory. Jammu and Kashmir government and Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) deserve kudos for reviving the lake. Under Phase 2 of Mission Ehsaas, the government and NLCO cleaned the Zadibal- Sazgaripra route of Khushalsar. This traditional navigation route had turned into a cesspool. For the first time in 30 years, Shikaras cruised through Khushalsar, Gili Kadal, and Sazgaripora via Zaidbal. A state-of-the machine was pressed into service to remove the blockages of the traditional route. Cleaning the route was very challenging due to the massive encroachment, landfilling, and weed growth. This part of the waterbody was completely neglected. Phase 2 of Mission Ehsaas was launched in May when the machine was deployed in the area. Last year, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization and the government collaborated to revive Khushalsar, which had become a dumping site for the last 30 years. A year on, fishes were bred again in the lake. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir government approved an environmental action plan to restore 19 lakes and water bodies in Srinagar city. Estimated to cost Rs 3.7 crore, the project envisaged desilting, de-weeding, strengthening embankments, and banning the disposal of waste into water bodies. Preliminary reports have revealed that 12 out of 19 water bodies have almost dried up. Silting, growth of weeds, and poor embankments are some of the major problems in the Hokersar wetland. Around Rs, 20 lakh have been earmarked for Marsar Lake. For Khushalsar and Gilsar, the administration has earmarked Rs 50 lakhs. As per the action plan, Rs one crore has been earmarked for Dal and Anchar lakes. The action plan highlighted problems of marshy land and silting in Baba Demb and Sarband reservoir for which Rs 50 lakhs and 30 lakhs have been earmarked respectively. Under the action plan, Rs 43.5 Lakhs have been earmarked for the restoration of 12 water bodies that have almost dried up. These include Sumbalar Tachi, Parinag Chhaterhama, Nishat Temple Nag, Checki Dara, Ishber Astan, Kachrinag Ishber, water bodies of Ishber Kral Mohalla, Drang Mohalla Ishber, Paltan Gan Wadi, Zewan Payeen, Darnar Nag, Mokdam Mohalla Zewan. Mere allocating money and coming up with plans will not work. If Khushalsar lake can be revived, why can’t others? The government needs to rope in NGOs and environmentalists to carry out the work. A deadline for completing work needs to be set. The government needs to think out of the box. Jumping deadlines should be viewed seriously and officials responsible for it should be taken to task. Unless the government takes tough steps, the cleanliness objectives will not be achieved.

It is heartening to know that Khushalsar lake has been restored to its pristine glory. Jammu and Kashmir government and Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) deserve kudos for reviving the lake. Under Phase 2 of Mission Ehsaas, the government and NLCO cleaned the Zadibal- Sazgaripra route of Khushalsar. This traditional navigation route had turned into a cesspool. For the first time in 30 years, Shikaras cruised through Khushalsar, Gili Kadal, and Sazgaripora via Zaidbal. A state-of-the machine was pressed into service to remove the blockages of the traditional route. Cleaning the route was very challenging due to the massive encroachment, landfilling, and weed growth. This part of the waterbody was completely neglected. Phase 2 of Mission Ehsaas was launched in May when the machine was deployed in the area. Last year, Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization and the government collaborated to revive Khushalsar, which had become a dumping site for the last 30 years. A year on, fishes were bred again in the lake. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir government approved an environmental action plan to restore 19 lakes and water bodies in Srinagar city. Estimated to cost Rs 3.7 crore, the project envisaged desilting, de-weeding, strengthening embankments, and banning the disposal of waste into water bodies. Preliminary reports have revealed that 12 out of 19 water bodies have almost dried up. Silting, growth of weeds, and poor embankments are some of the major problems in the Hokersar wetland. Around Rs, 20 lakh have been earmarked for Marsar Lake. For Khushalsar and Gilsar, the administration has earmarked Rs 50 lakhs. As per the action plan, Rs one crore has been earmarked for Dal and Anchar lakes. The action plan highlighted problems of marshy land and silting in Baba Demb and Sarband reservoir for which Rs 50 lakhs and 30 lakhs have been earmarked respectively. Under the action plan, Rs 43.5 Lakhs have been earmarked for the restoration of 12 water bodies that have almost dried up. These include Sumbalar Tachi, Parinag Chhaterhama, Nishat Temple Nag, Checki Dara, Ishber Astan, Kachrinag Ishber, water bodies of Ishber Kral Mohalla, Drang Mohalla Ishber, Paltan Gan Wadi, Zewan Payeen, Darnar Nag, Mokdam Mohalla Zewan. Mere allocating money and coming up with plans will not work. If Khushalsar lake can be revived, why can’t others? The government needs to rope in NGOs and environmentalists to carry out the work. A deadline for completing work needs to be set. The government needs to think out of the box. Jumping deadlines should be viewed seriously and officials responsible for it should be taken to task. Unless the government takes tough steps, the cleanliness objectives will not be achieved.

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