ZT News Network
Srinagar: Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO), Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Environmental Policy Group (EPG), Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) and several other conservationists have resented the construction of “Loo cafe” on the shores of Dal Lake and have demanded its immediate removal from the sie.
“It is shocking to note how as guardian of the area LAWDA could have allowed it come up under the guise of “tourist convenience”, Fair Bakshi, convenor Environmental Policy Group (EPG).
“A toilet at this spot is the last thing the planners could have thought of constructing. Could not the toilet be built 50 metres away at a spot where it would be more useful instead of an eyesore at its present site”, he further added.
Expressing its deep displeasure on the construction of the “Loo Cafe”, Nigeen Lake Conservation Orgnisation (NLCO) chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said that “from tourism point of view, Nishat Bagh (to be included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites) is a historical place thronged by domestic and international travellers. Such a structure at this site in simply unacceptable”.
Terming the construction of lavatory point at Nishat Bagh “illogical”, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) said it had taken a “strong exception to the construction of the lavatory points on the banks of Dal Lake opposite the famous Nishat Bagh.”
In a statement, TAAK said the construction of the facility is devoid of any logic as such construction blocks the scenic view of the Dal Lake near jetty point and also is a threat to the water body.
President TAAK Farooq Kuthoo said creating “a shabby and monster like structure near Nishat Bagh when administrate is preparing a dossier to include this famous Mughal Gardens in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) mandated world heritage sites is senseless and illegal”.
“We fail to understand who has given the go ahead for such a project when Mughal Gardens including Nishat Bagh is being pitched for UNESCO world heritage sites. Such steps speak volumes about the lack of coordination between government departments and not taking consultations from experts before wasting funds on concrete structures which only spoil the natural beauty,” said Kuthoo.
TAAK said the lavatory point should be constructed away from the Lake view points. TAAK has urged Lt. Government Administration, Tourism department to look into the matter and save this heritage site.
While joining the chorus against the construction of the building on the banks of Dal Lake, Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said that “We very well know that our water-bodies, especially lakes, are facing numerous disasters, the construction of this loo-cafe should be stopped before it becomes another disaster”.
According to a statement, both NLCO & NTTA have brought this issue to the attention of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary & Divisional Commissioner and have asked them for immediate removal of the building.