SRINAGAR, JULY 09: Vice Chairman, J&K Lake Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Thursday conducted an extensive inspection tour of the Khushalsar Gilsar lake system, covering Gil Kadal, Sazgaripora, Saidapora, and other adjoining areas in and around the waterbodies to review the progress of conservation and protection measures being undertaken by the Authority.
The Vice Chairman, as per an official statement, was accompanied by the Superintending Engineer, Collector, all Executive Engineers, Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), Junior Engineers (JEs), Revenue officials, and other officers and officials of the Authority.
During the visit, the Vice Chairman undertook a comprehensive on the spot review of the demarcation exercise being carried out by the field teams. He inspected the identified land parcels and assessed the progress achieved in the field.
Stressing the importance of clearly establishing the boundaries of the water bodies and their protected areas, he directed the demarcation teams to expedite the pegging and marking of all identified land to ensure proper identification, protection, and effective monitoring of these ecologically significant assets.
Interacting with the field staff, the Vice Chairman emphasized the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated efforts in carrying out conservation activities. He instructed the concerned officers to ensure that the demarcation work is completed in a time bound manner while maintaining complete accuracy and transparency. He further directed that regular inspections be conducted to prevent any encroachment or unauthorized activity within the demarcated areas.
Reviewing the condition of the water body, the Vice Chairman directed that the Water Master and barge be mobilized and shifted to the Khushalsar Gilsar water body on priority Thursday itself so that cleaning and other restoration activities can be intensified without any delay. He emphasized that all necessary logistical arrangements should be made immediately to ensure that the machinery becomes operational at the earliest.
The Vice Chairman also reviewed the existing protective measures along vulnerable stretches of the Khushalsar Gilsar water bodies. Recognizing the need for strengthening the physical protection of the lake boundaries, he directed the Engineering Wing of LCMA to immediately prepare a detailed proposal for installation of chain link fencing around the identified vulnerable locations. He observed that appropriate fencing would help secure the demarcated land, discourage encroachments, and support the long-term preservation and restoration of the water bodies.
Reiterating the Authority’s commitment towards conservation of the Khushal Sar Gilsar lake system, the Vice Chairman stated that LCMA remains dedicated to protecting these important urban wetlands through scientific management, continuous monitoring, infrastructure development, and active field level interventions. He emphasized that the restoration and safeguarding of these water bodies is vital for maintaining ecological balance, improving the urban environment, and preserving the natural heritage of the Kashmir Valley for future generations.
