Dal Lake Reborn After 5 Years Drawing Tourists Worldwide
Dal Lake gets cleaner and bigger after 5-year restoration mission in Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today hailed the remarkable rejuvenation of Dal Lake, attributing its cleaner waters and expanded 20.3-square-kilometer expanse to five years of dedicated conservation efforts. Joining a cleanliness drive as part of Sewa Parv, Sinha emphasized the lake’s revitalization as a triumph of environmental stewardship, drawing a surge of domestic and international tourists to Srinagar’s iconic water body.
In a statement on X at 11:36 AM IST, Sinha declared, “During the last five years, work for preservation of Dal-Nigeen Lake and in the catchment area has been undertaken in a mission mode. Dal Lake is cleaner & attracting large numbers of domestic & international visitors.” The concerted efforts have cleared vast swathes of invasive water lilies, restoring over one-third of the lake and increasing its open water expanse for the first time to over 20.3 square kilometers, a milestone in its ecological revival.
The conservation initiative, launched in 2020, involved collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir administration, environmental experts, and local communities. Measures included dredging to remove accumulated silt, controlling sewage inflow, and regulating houseboat waste to curb pollution. The removal of water lilies, which had choked large areas, has restored the lake’s biodiversity, benefiting native flora and fauna, including migratory birds that draw nature enthusiasts globally.
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Sinha’s participation in the Sewa Parv cleanliness drive underscored the importance of community involvement. The event saw volunteers, local residents, and environmental activists working together to clear debris and promote awareness about preserving the lake’s ecosystem. An alternate site within the nearby Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex was prepared in case of heavy rains, ensuring the drive’s continuity.
The revitalized Dal Lake has become a magnet for tourism, with shikara rides and houseboat stays seeing a 30% increase in bookings this year, according to local tourism officials. International visitors, particularly from Europe and Southeast Asia, have lauded the lake’s clearer waters and scenic beauty, boosting Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.
Sinha called for sustained citizen engagement, urging, “Preserve our lakes, rivers, and water bodies through community involvement.” Plans are underway to extend conservation efforts to other water bodies like Wular Lake, with proposals for stricter waste management and eco-friendly tourism practices. The success of Dal Lake’s restoration serves as a model for environmental initiatives across India, highlighting the power of collective action in safeguarding natural heritage.
