Remove water lilies from Dal Lake in three months: HC

Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, August 13

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has given the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) three months to wipe out water lilies from the Dal Lake.

The direction came following recommendations by the Scientific Advisory Committee before the HC this week, which stated that deweeding in the Dal Lake needed to be carried out on a regular basis.

In a report by the Scientific Advisory Committee, it has been stressed that water lilies, which serve as an attraction for tourists, must also be removed. The report further suggests that deweeding of lilies should be done manually and by machines.

The High Court is hearing a public interest litigation on the conservation and preservation of the Dal Lake and the adjoining Nigeen Lake.

“An opportunity is granted to the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority to wipe out lilies from the lake within three months,” a division bench of the High Court headed by the Chief Justice said in its orders as the matter came up before the court this week.

While passing the orders, the court further observed that no further time would be granted to LAWDA, adding that from time to time, the court has been passing orders but the authorities are not complying.

It further said that on the previous hearings also, LAWDA had submitted that water lilies would be removed from the Dal Lake within a month, but nothing much had been done so far.

The Scientific Advisory Committee, in its report, has further highlighted the need for motorboats and other equipment for carrying out deweeding and cleaning the lake area.

The LAWDA Vice-Chairman, who was present in the court, replied that requisition for the motorboats had been made and the procurement was likely soon.

Panel suggests motorboats for deweeding process 

• Water lilies or nymphaea is a popular aquatic pond plant. It is found in the Dal Lake, particularly in its Doldrum area 
• The water lilies have spread over a considerable lake area, blocking the sunlight. The Scientific Advisory Committee has suggested the removal of these flowers, both manually and mechanically 
• The Scientific Advisory Committee, in its report, has highlighted the need for motorboats and other equipment for carrying out the deweeding and cleaning of the lake area