Swift Action Needed to Save Dal Lake from Pollution

The National Green Tribunal has set up a panel to urgently address pollution in Dal Lake, Kashmir. The panel found untreated sewage entering the lake and identified houseboats contributing to the pollution. Immediate remedial actions are required. A joint committee has been formed to identify pollution sources and implement preventive measures.

The National Green Tribunal has established a panel to swiftly mitigate the pollution affecting Dal Lake in Kashmir. This decision came as the tribunal noted the lake's deteriorating condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent untreated sewage and other pollutants from contaminating the water body.

During a recent hearing, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&KPCC) reported untreated sewage flowing into Dal Lake. With around 910 houseboats in Dal and Nigeen Lake contributing wastewater, the pollution levels have escalated, showing high Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and coliform concentrations.

To address these issues, a joint committee will include various members from local and central environmental authorities. Their mandate is to identify pollution sources, hold accountable entities responsible, and enforce corrective actions. The committee is to finalize its findings and guidelines within three months, with the next tribunal session scheduled for December 2.

(With inputs from agencies.)