Conservation of water-bodies collective responsibility: JKLCMA
The Vice Chairman (VC), Jammu & Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah, convened a review meeting today, 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.
During the meeting, a detailed review of the progress of various ongoing works and field activities was undertaken. The Vice Chairman emphasized the need for time-bound execution, effective monitoring and regular field inspections to ensure that the objectives of lake and waterbody conservation are achieved in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
The meeting also reviewed measures being undertaken for the protection of water bodies from encroachments, illegal constructions, dumping of solid waste, and discharge of untreated sewage. The concerned officers were directed to maintain close coordination with the field agencies and take prompt action wherever violations affecting the water bodies are noticed.
The progress of demarcation and clearance of encroachments, cleaning and maintenance of water channels, outlets and other associated works was also reviewed. The officers were directed to intensify field-level monitoring and ensure that cleared areas are protected from re-encroachment.
Issues relating to the 19 inlet channels coming from hinterlands came up for discussion. The Vice Chairman stressed the importance of ensuring proper functioning and maintenance of the regulatory gates installed on these inlet channels. It was desired that J&K PCC, in light of the directions of the Hon’ble High Court, shall be approached for banning the use of pesticides/chemicals by farmers along the hinterlands and ultimately flowing into these inlet channels thereby deteriorating the water quality of the lake.
The functioning and maintenance of aerators, fountains and other lake conservation infrastructure were also reviewed. Directions were issued for early rectification of deficiencies and ensuring that such infrastructure remains operational and is properly maintained.
The Vice Chairman further stressed upon the officers to ensure regular submission of progress reports, proper documentation of works and close supervision of projects at the field level. The concerned officers were directed to adhere strictly to the timelines and submit updated status reports on the progress of works.
The Vice Chairman reiterated that conservation of the water bodies is a collective responsibility and called for sustained efforts, inter-departmental coordination and strict enforcement of applicable provisions to safeguard the fragile aquatic ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir for future generations.