An image of serenity, where Dal Lake is a glittering stone located within the embrace of Srinagar, has long formed the foundation of the identity of Kashmir. However, underneath that surface, below the myths, lies an existence of dire straits that can no longer be disregarded. According to the most recent report from the CAG, Dal Lake experienced a decrease of more than ten percent in its total water surface area over the past decade. The total water surface area has decreased from 15.40 square kilometres in 2007 to 12.91 square kilometres in 2020. This figure does not represent simply a number; instead it represents an ecosystem that is suffering its death throes.
The CAG’s assessment has been based on all the usual suspects, constant encroachment upon the lake, uncontrolled growth of floating gardens (which are attractive to look at, but seriously reduce the usable area of the lake), discharge of untreated surface water (sewage) and the worst of all, the complete failure on the part of the local government to maintain and properly operate sewerage systems. Local governmental agencies have invested in excess of Rs 45 crore for the establishment of sewage treatment plants (STPs); however, the sewerage system is incomplete and there is no sewer connection to any of the houseboats located on the lake. Therefore, the air is filled with the smell of waste material and the smell of governmental indifference.
What is the most damaging finding from the audit is not charges against the LCMA, but that the LCMA has neglected to develop a plan to manage the lake environment and wetlands; and to assess the ecological changes occurring to it. The audit shows the it has also neglected to implement several of the major central project proposals it has published, including but not limited to the National Lake Conservation Programme, and to develop an implementation plan and use funds available for this purpose.
Tragically, the irony is that crores of rupees have been spent by the government, but this has no strategic direction or project management and, thus, all this spending is futile. The uncontrolled influx of nutrients is stimulating the growth of aquatic weeds, which is reducing the amount of open water and therefore degrading the overall quality of water. This is a vicious cycle of decline and we are rapidly approaching a point where the cycle can no longer be broken.
The CAG’s recommendations need to be acted upon urgently as they represent a national obligation. The need for a complete lake management strategy is required along with a shift from piecemeal repairs. We also require real-time measurement of water spread, a fully functional sewage grid serving all homes and houseboats, and the strict enforcement of encroachment laws with no exceptions for the powerful regardless of size or status.
Dal Lake is not just a tourist attraction; it is not only cultural lungs of Srinagar; it is also a source of livelihoods for thousands and serves as a hydrological buffer for the region. If there is no systemic change made to planning and implementation very soon, then, as stated in the report, the ecological restoration of Dal Lake will be significantly delayed or possibly not occur.
