Rotary Club of Kashmir, SMC, SDRF and civil society organisations join hands to raise awareness about water body conservation
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 20: A massive human chain was formed along the Dal Lake in Srinagar on Sunday as part of World Cleanup Day celebrations, with the Rotary Club of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and various civil society organisations, calling for collective action to protect Kashmir’s water bodies.
The organisers described the initiative as the first of its kind in Kashmir, bringing together hundreds of students, Rotarians, volunteers and community members to highlight the need for protecting Dal Lake and other water resources from pollution, encroachment and irresponsible waste disposal.
The event saw participation from Green Valley Educational Institute, Paramount High School, Team Red, Kashmir Concern, Buchwara Mohallah Committee and PSAJK, with support from the civil and police administration.
The human chain stretched along the Dal Lake area and symbolised collective responsibility for conserving Kashmir’s water resources. The initiative also sought to promote environmental awareness among young people and encourage greater public participation in conservation efforts.
Speaking at the event, chief guest and MLA and Chairman of the Environmental Committee on Legislation, M.Y. Tarigami, said the initiative represented more than the formation of a human chain.
“This is not only a human chain; it is a human responsibility to save our water bodies. Dal Lake belongs to all of us, and its protection requires collective commitment from the government, institutions and society,” Tarigami said.
Guest of honour SSP Traffic Ajaz Bhat appreciated the initiative and said such efforts offered renewed hope for the protection of Kashmir’s water bodies. He emphasised the importance of public participation and awareness in addressing environmental challenges.
The participation of students was a significant feature of the programme, with organisers stressing the need to foster an environmentally conscious generation that understands the importance of protecting lakes, rivers and wetlands.
The Rotary Club of Kashmir expressed gratitude to the SMC, SDRF, civil and police administration, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, community groups and volunteers for their support.
The event was supported by Athwass Retail.
Rotary Club of Kashmir president Dr Touseef Bhatt said the human chain was intended not merely as a symbolic gathering but as a public pledge to protect Dal Lake and other water bodies.
“Save Dal, Save Kashmir” remained the central message of the initiative, he said.
