GANDERBAL, MAY 16: The Wullar Manasbal Development Authority on Saturday organised a series of sanitation drives and anti-drug awareness rallies in the catchment areas of the famous Manasbal Lake to spread awareness about environmental conservation and the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The programmes, as per an official statement, were conducted in collaboration with Sainik School Manasbal, local volunteer group QRT and a local educational institution. The initiatives witnessed active participation of students, volunteers, teachers and officials of the Authority.
The rallies and cleanliness drives were organised as part of the ongoing “100 Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” launched across Jammu and Kashmir on April 11, 2026, with an aim to eradicate the growing drug menace from society and encourage public participation in awareness campaigns.
During the programme, participants carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the importance of preserving the ecological balance of Manasbal Lake, which is considered one of the most scenic freshwater lakes of Kashmir. They also stressed the need for maintaining sanitation in and around the lake to protect its natural beauty and biodiversity.
Speakers on the occasion underlined that environmental degradation and drug addiction are serious concerns requiring collective efforts from all sections of society. The students and volunteers appealed to people, especially the youth, to stay away from drugs and contribute towards building a clean and healthy society.
Chief Executive Officer of Wullar Manasbal Development Authority, Ahsanul Haq Chishti, while addressing the participants, said that the Authority has placed cleanliness within and around the lake among its top priorities. He said such awareness programmes with active citizen involvement would continue in the coming days as well.
He also sought cooperation from the public in preserving the fragile ecosystem of Manasbal Lake and supporting the campaign against drug abuse for the betterment of society.
