Srinagar, Aug 19: The Vice Chairman, JKLCMA, Khurshid Ahmad Shah, today undertook an extensive on-site assessment of Dal Lake to take stock of the ongoing cleaning and conservation activities being carried out by the Authority.

During the inspection, the Vice Chairman visited various locations of Dal Lake, particularly the Gagribal Basin, and took stock of the progress of the ongoing cleaning activities on site. He reviewed the deployment of manpower and machinery, including Watermasters, harvesters, and grabbers, and assessed the effectiveness of the measures being undertaken for the removal of weeds, aquatic vegetation, accumulated waste, and other floating material from different sections of the lake.
During the field inspection, the Vice Chairman identified specific locations for the deployment of the hired lake cleaning machinery. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that the machinery is deployed at the identified spots in a planned and effective manner to intensify the ongoing lake cleaning operations.
Khurshid Ahmad Shah emphasized the need for a systematic and area-specific approach to lake cleaning, with priority being given to locations experiencing heavy weed infestation and excessive accumulation of aquatic vegetation. He particularly directed that focused cleaning measures be undertaken in the area around SKICC and Lalit Ghat where the 1st International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from September 07 to September 10, 2026, ensuring that the designated area is adequately cleaned and maintained in advance of the event.
He directed the field staff and concerned officers to maintain close monitoring of the cleaning operations and ensure that the machinery remains operational and is utilized to its optimum capacity. He also called for regular assessment of the cleaned areas to prevent re-accumulation of weeds and waste.
The Vice Chairman reiterated the Authority's commitment towards the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of Dal Lake and stressed that all ongoing interventions should be carried out with due regard to the ecological character of the lake.