Third spring in Anchar lake taken up for restoration by NLCO

NLCO calls for science-based revival of Anchar Lake; residents welcome initiative

SRINAGAR, October 17: The Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has taken up a third traditional spring in Anchar’s Taploo Mohalla, Soura, for restoration under its Mission Ehsaas initiative, renewing calls for a comprehensive, science-based revival of Anchar Lake.

The restoration work, undertaken on Saturday in collaboration with volunteers, civil society representatives and local residents, aims to revive the traditional water source, which had fallen into disrepair, and encourage community participation in its long-term maintenance.

The inauguration was led by NLCO Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo in the presence of Prof. Sajad Gangoo of SKUAST, Burhan Misgar, president of the TAFI J&K Chapter, Er. Abdul Rashid of the University of Kashmir, and other stakeholders.

Wangnoo stressed the importance of restoring traditional springs to conserve Kashmir’s water heritage and called upon residents to take collective responsibility for keeping the water source clean and functional.

“Every spring restored is a step towards reviving Kashmir’s water heritage,” he said, adding that community participation was essential to protecting traditional water sources for future generations.

Prof. Gangoo highlighted Anchar Lake’s historical and ecological significance, expressing concern over its deteriorating condition. He called for a comprehensive and sustained restoration plan based on scientific assessment and coordinated action by the concerned authorities and local communities.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, recalling that the spring had served as an important source of drinking water and for household needs for decades before falling into neglect. They expressed hope that its restoration would help preserve the area’s environmental and cultural heritage.

The NLCO thanked the volunteers, civil society representatives and residents who contributed to the initiative. It also acknowledged the cooperation extended by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

The organisation reiterated its demand for the comprehensive restoration of Anchar Lake and its placement under a competent and accountable authority to ensure sustained management and conservation.

According to the NLCO, reviving the lake requires a coordinated, science-based approach supported by clear institutional responsibility, adequate resources and long-term planning. It said the lake’s ecological recovery was important for Kashmir’s interconnected network of lakes, wetlands and traditional navigation routes.

The organisation also maintained that restoring Anchar Lake could create opportunities for responsible tourism and help bring the water body back onto Kashmir’s tourism map.

The NLCO said its community-led initiatives would continue, while emphasising that the restoration of traditional springs must be complemented by stronger institutional intervention to protect Anchar Lake and Kashmir’s aquatic ecosystems.