• Source:JND

Dal Lake, once renowned for its purity, is now in a critical state due to pollution. The lake, whose water was once so clean that people used to drink it, has now become contaminated. Today, people are afraid even to touch it. Immediate planning is required to restore the environment and save Dal Lake so that it can return to its former glory and benefit everyone.

A Local’s Lament

This concern was expressed by 67-year-old Mohammad Rafiq Mir, a resident of Dalgate, an area situated along the banks of the lake. Mir said, "My heart fills with grief seeing the Dal in this condition. I remember that in my childhood, we used to drink this water and use it for cooking. At that time, there were no water taps, so people would carry water in pots from far away."

He added, "Today, one does not even feel like putting their hand in this water. The lake has become completely contaminated." Although Dal Lake remains a major attraction for tourists, testing conducted at 11 locations revealed that the water at one spot was not even fit for bathing. Recent research by private and government institutions has also confirmed that the lake water is highly polluted.

Untreated Sewage And Infrastructure Gaps

A report by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) highlights a serious issue: the flow of untreated wastewater into the lake. Out of the 193 MLD (Million Litres Per Day) of domestic sewage generated in Srinagar, 140 MLD is not being treated.

Currently, there are six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of over 53 MLD to treat sewage from the Dal and Nigeen Lake catchment areas.

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Another Common Sewage Treatment Plant with a capacity of 60 MLD is currently in its final stages of completion. The report also notes that there are 910 houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes, and their wastewater is discharged directly into the water bodies.

Health Implications

The pollution is having a direct impact on public health. Dr Bilal Khan stated, "We receive the highest number of patients suffering from Hepatitis A, diarrhoea, and intestinal infections from the Srinagar district. We examine about 300 patients daily for these ailments in the OPD, out of which approximately 180 are from Srinagar. These are generally waterborne diseases."

Local residents urge that with the increasing population, the government must show seriousness regarding the supply of pure drinking water to ensure that everyone has access to clean water.

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