Srinagar, 14 January (H.S.): In a bid to revive Manasbal Lake, one of Asia’s deepest freshwater lakes, the authorities have resumed large-scale dredging operations after a gap of nearly eight years.
The exercise, which began around 10 days ago, as per officials, is progressing at a satisfactory pace and is expected to bring noticeable improvements to the ecological health of the lake.
According to officials associated with the project, the dredging work is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 14 lakh and will cover nearly 1,000 feet of the lake’s length.
“Dredging was not undertaken in a proper and sustained manner over the past eight years. This year, we have ensured that the work is taken up in a planned and time-bound way,” said Kaisar Ahmad, Assistant Engineer, R&B Division, Ganderbal.
He added that nearly 70 to 80 percent of the work is likely to be completed within this month.
The dredging is expected to improve water circulation, reduce silt accumulation, and restore the lake’s depth in critical stretches.
Ahmad said the material extracted during the process is being disposed of at a designated site already identified by the authorities to avoid any environmental damage.
Expressing concern over the continued inflow of untreated sewage into the lake, he said plans are in place to construct a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to cater to all seven villages located around Manasbal.
“The direct discharge of sewage into the lake is a serious issue. The proposed STP will ensure that wastewater is treated and filtered before it reaches the lake,” he said, adding that work on the STP is scheduled to begin later this year.
He stressed that the long-term revival of Manasbal Lake would require coordinated efforts from multiple departments, along with active participation from the local population.
“Being one of Asia’s deepest freshwater lakes, Manasbal is ecologically significant. Its restoration cannot be achieved by dredging alone. Locals must also refrain from dumping garbage and waste around the lake,” he said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
