Srinagar, Oct 21: Jammu and Kashmir government is working on comprehensive projects for conservation of water bodies, including Asia's biggest fresh water lake Wullar in North Kashmir, with World Bank assistance. "State government is contemplating the preparation of ambitious projects for conservation of Wullar Lake and cleaning of rivers Jhelum and Nagin," Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said during an interaction with the members of Kashmir People's Ecological Council, an NGO here last evening.
A project for Hygam water body has already been formulated, he said adding, "conditions of all the lakes in the state would be improved in a phased manner for their conservation".
Regarding the world famous Dal Lake in the city, Mufti said an ambitious multi-dimensional project has been formulated for its conservation.
Seven sewerage plants are being set up and encroachments would be removed and Dal dwellers rehabilitated at an alternate site to restore the pristine glory of the lake which is a major attraction for tourists worldwide, he said.
Former Union Minister for Environment Saifuddin Soz urged the Chief Minister to prepare a profile and status paper on all the water bodies of the state for working out a strategy to conserve these for posterity.
Bureau Report