Concerned citizens initiate ‘Mission Ahsaas’ for restoration of Kashmir waterbodies

By: Ahmer Khan

Srinagar: A group of concerned citizens and community action organizations have initiated ‘Mission Ahsaas’ for the restoration and protection of waterbodies in Kashmir.

The group, currently comprising of several activists, former officials and conservation enthusiasts, is planning to begin from some of Srinagar city’s worst affected waterbodies.

The initiative is coming up through a community-mobilized action by Manzoor Wangoo, a philanthropist, businessman and conservation enthusiast. Eminent civil servant and former advisor to J&K government, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Dr G N Qasba, senior adviser with ARADe group are other prominent people are part of the group. Ziraat Times is one of the official media partners for the initiative and will be assisting in galvanizing community action and partnerships in this initiative.

Speaking to Ziraat Times, Mr Wangnoo said that he is in touch with key stakeholders and would like a broader initiative to make it self-driven and sustainable. “I believe in action. Somewhere, a sound beginning has to be made on the ground. We will work hand in hand with all key stakeholders and make it work”, he added.

Commenting on the motivation of initiating the program, Mr Wangnoo said, “recently, we have had a first hand assessment of Gilkadal, I along with some volunteers of Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) hired a boat from Amda Kadal. Despite this water channel totally clogged and pungent smell emanating from it (as the much needed flow of water is stopped due to the pollution & drains gets emptied into it) we rowed the boat with much difficulty and shockingly near gate of Gilsar a small bridge (seemingly constructed by locals) halted us to move beyond. Due to this bridge there is no possibility of any water transport to move beyond this point”.

“Once a favourite route for water trekkers and bird watchers who used to go visit these water bodies and go upto Anchar & Manasbal, they are dying a silent death”, he added.

“The current sorry state of water bodies needs a major private public participation. As many as 50 volunteers of Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) and volunteers from Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) are ready to join cleansing programme from Amdakadal bridge to Gate of Gilsar”, Mr Wangnoo added.

The group believes that the Dal Lake, Brarinambal-Nalla Mar and Nigeen Lake, Pokhribal to Gillsar, Khushhaalsar and Anchar Lake were basically part of an integrated wetland system, and, therefore, unless and until these waterbodies (Gilsar & Khushalsar etc) are cleared of the muck and the encroachments, ‘the Nigeen as well as Dal Lake are not going to be wriggled out of the mess these are in.’

“A realization – Ahsaas – is that needs to be followed first, other things come secondary. History and posterity will never forgive us, if we do not rise to the occasion and join hands to save our precious waterbodies”, the group advocates.

Meanwhile, the group has requested the Lakes and waterways Development Authority (LWWDA) to clean the Pokhribal-Nalla Amir Khan streams so that the flow of water is restored.