Kashmir’s famous Dal Lake ails as encroachments & illegal construction continue during lockdown

In recent years, the serene beauty of the Dal Lake has been marred by illegal construction and dumping of plastic waste.

Thinking of visiting Kashmir? Chances are that the first picture that comes to your mind is the pristine Dal lake of Srinagar city. For decades, the lake and scores of beautiful houseboats lined up in it have been the biggest attraction in this region. But did you know that this famous water body is ailing? The biggest cause is unabated encroachments and illegal structures being built around this lake. Even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are instances of people raising illegal constructions while taking advantage of the lockdown. In the last three months, the Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority (LAWDA), which monitors and develops these water bodies, has demolished more than 170 illegal structures around the lake. Since the people are taking advantage of the lockdown, the authorities are now forced to install CCTV cameras around the water bodies. “We have started the process of placing CCTV cameras around Dal Lake. Five cameras have been placed while 15 more are being placed at different locations. We will try to cover the whole lake in a phased manner. The cameras will be of high quality so that number plate recognition is there too. And if people are seen carrying the construction material, we would get to know through the footage,'' says Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Vice Chairperson, LAWDA.