Srinagar :The Vice Chairman (VC), Jammu & Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, convened a review meeting Friday, to take stock of various ongoing activities and works being undertaken by the Authority for the conservation, protection and management of water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir. All the officers of JK LCMA participated in the meeting.
The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing projects and field activities related to lake and waterbody conservation. The Vice Chairman highlighted the necessity for timely execution, effective monitoring, and regular inspections to achieve conservation objectives sustainably. Measures to protect water bodies from encroachments, illegal constructions, solid waste dumping, and untreated sewage discharge were discussed, with directives for officers to coordinate closely with field agencies and act promptly against violations. The review included the status of demarcation and clearance of encroachments, as well as the maintenance of water channels and associated works. Officers were instructed to enhance field monitoring and protect cleared areas from re-encroachment. Discussions also addressed the 19 inlet channels from hinterlands, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance of regulatory gates. The Vice Chairman called for engagement with the J&K PCC to ban the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals by farmers, which negatively impact water quality. Additionally, the meeting assessed the functioning of aerators, fountains, and other conservation infrastructure, with a push for prompt rectification of any deficiencies. The Vice Chairman urged officers to ensure regular progress report submissions, maintain thorough documentation, and closely supervise field projects, adhering to established timelines. He reiterated that the conservation of water bodies is a shared responsibility, necessitating sustained efforts, inter-departmental collaboration, and strict enforcement of regulations to protect Jammu & Kashmir’s fragile aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
