Nine lakes in Shimla to be demarcated: DC

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired a district-level one-day workshop, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), along with the District Wetland Authority, yesterday. He said as many as nine lakes in the district will be demarcated to ensure their better management and conservation in the future through effective policy-making.

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He said the demarcation work for the Tani Jubbar lake and Chandar Nahan lake in Shimla district is yet to be completed. “Additionally, the demarcation of Kanasar Lake, Barada Lake and five other lakes in Dhar Rupin is to be carried out,” he said.

The DC said for this, directions have been issued to the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to visit the sites and complete the boundary demarcation. He said efforts are being made to preserve wetlands and other historical lakes in the district. “Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), orders have been given to construct lakes in every panchayat of the district. These lakes should be constructed with minimal use of cement to allow for natural restoration. Furthermore, local cooperation will be sought for the conservation of natural streams and rules will be implemented to prevent any disturbance to nature,” said the DC.

Ravi Sharma, Scientific Officer at HIMCOSTE, provided detailed information about the goals and objectives of the workshop.

He said wetlands offer essential services that benefit people, wildlife and aquatic species, such as improving water quality, providing habitats for fish and wildlife, storing floodwater and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

“Wetlands are considered some of the most productive ecosystems globally, comparable to rainforests, forests and coral reefs. They host a wide variety of species, including microorganisms, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals. Factors such as climate, landscape, geology, water movement and abundance help determine the species that inhabit each wetland. Wetland conservation is crucial due to their unique ecological functions,” he said.