LCMA Board reviews restoration measures for Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar and Gilsar

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar, June 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired the 27th Board of Directors meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) at SKICC, reviewing the progress of ongoing conservation initiatives and key projects aimed at protecting the Valley’s major water bodies.

The meeting focused on conservation and management efforts concerning Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes and was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Forests, Environment and Ecology Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mandeep Kaur, and other senior officers.

The Board reviewed the action taken on decisions made during its previous meeting and assessed the progress of major restoration and conservation initiatives. These included the Integrated Management Plan for the Dal-Nigeen lake ecosystem, eco-development of lake hamlets, sewerage infrastructure projects, lake cleaning operations and other measures aimed at improving the ecological health of the lakes.

Emphasizing the need for sustained institutional coordination and scientific planning, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments and the Authority to expedite ongoing projects while ensuring strict adherence to environmental safeguards and statutory procedures.

The meeting also held detailed deliberations on strengthening the LCMA, modernizing sewerage management systems, conserving Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes, and enhancing the Authority’s institutional capacity. Omar Abdullah directed that proposals requiring further examination be revised and resubmitted after incorporating observations made during the discussions.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving Jammu & Kashmir’s fragile lake ecosystems, the Chief Minister stressed that conservation efforts should be guided by scientific assessment, environmental sustainability and long-term public interest.

He also called for regular monitoring of ongoing works and close inter-departmental coordination to ensure tangible improvements in the conservation and management of the Union Territory’s lakes.