Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised alarm over the rapid deterioration of Hokersar Lake in Srinagar and Budgam districts, warning that its “pristine glory” is at risk of extinction.
The audit found that over 2,528 kanals of the lake area have been encroached upon for construction, plantations, and farming. Authorities failed to evict encroachers despite issuing notices.
The report highlights a lack of proper survey, demarcation, and a comprehensive conservation plan. Between 2014 and 2020, open water area decreased by 7%, while scrub area surged by over 1,100%, and aquatic vegetation increased by 42%—largely due to pollution, untreated sewage, and human pressure. Built-up areas in catchments like Haji Bagh and HMT, which lack sewage treatment plants, have also increased.
Flood management infrastructure is failing: the Padshahi Bagh flood spill channel’s capacity has dropped from 17,000 to 6,000 cusecs due to siltation. Though ₹46.29 crore was spent on related works, key components like hydraulic gates and sewage treatment plants were not completed.
The forest department responded that a wetland policy is under consideration. However, the CAG has urged urgent action: identify pollution sources, conduct scientific dredging, carry out a full survey and demarcation, and reclaim the encroached 2,528 kanals. It also called for a holistic conservation plan addressing hydrology, biodiversity, and pollution to save the ecologically significant wetland.
