Srinagar : In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, the Rotary Club of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and various civil society organisations, organised a massive human chain along Dal Lake on World Cleanup Day, highlighting the need to protect and conserve Kashmir’s water bodies.
Students, Rotarians, volunteers and members of the local community participated in the initiative. Green Valley Educational Institute, Paramount High School, Team Red, Kashmir Concern, BuchwaraMohallah Committee and PSAJK were among the organisations involved in the programme, which was supported by the civil and police administration.
The human chain stretched along the Dal Lake area and sought to underline collective responsibility towards protecting Kashmir’s fragile water resources. Organisers said it was the first such human chain formed across Dal Lake to mark World Cleanup Day in Kashmir.
Chief Guest and MLA M.Y. Tarigami, who is also Chairman of the Environmental Committee on Legislation, said the initiative conveyed a message beyond the symbolic formation of a human chain.
“This is not only a human chain; it is a human responsibility to save our water bodies. Dal Lake belongs to all of us, and its protection requires collective commitment from the government, institutions and society,” Tarigami said.
Guest of Honour SSP Traffic Ajaz Bhat appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of public participation and awareness in addressing environmental challenges and protecting Kashmir’s water bodies.
The programme witnessed participation from hundreds of students, volunteers, Rotarians and local residents. Organisers said the participation of students was particularly significant as environmental awareness among young people was essential for the long-term protection of lakes, rivers and wetlands.
The Rotary Club of Kashmir said the initiative was intended not merely as a symbolic exercise but as a public pledge to protect Dal Lake and other water bodies from pollution, encroachment and irresponsible waste disposal.
“Save Dal, Save Kashmir” was the central message of the initiative, said Rotary Club of Kashmir President Dr Touseef Bhatt.
