Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on Tuesday emphasized the need for taking effective conservative measures to restore the pristine glory of water bodies like world famous Dal Lake and Nageen Lake.

The LG said this while chairing a meeting, through video conference, with the Committee of Experts (CoE) here on Tuesday, an official spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that a detailed deliberation was held on various important measures required to be undertaken for restoration, maintenance and preservation as well as all ancillary issues including securing the banks of the Dal Lake. “A brief was also given on the present status of DPRs prepared for STPs,” he said.

He said the members of the Committee suggested that any planning and development in and around the Dal Lake has to be in consonance with the High Court directions and requirements satisfying the points raised in various deliberations of the Committee.

“They also made several recommendations and suggestions pertaining to empowering the Vice Chairman of J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority for effective administration and better coordination,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the Lt Governor stressed on taking all the requisite measures to restore the ecosystem of Dal Lake and preserve its unique biodiversity, adding all the suggestions from the CoE would be incorporated in the future plan of restoration, preservation and maintenance of the lake.

“Pertinently, pursuant to the directions of the Committee members, machinery was purchased from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for an amount of Rs 4 crore which includes barges and weed harvesters. In addition to it, aerial drone survey within 200 metres from the lake is under process to check illegal constructions. Purchase of Bio-digesters for 100 households and large sized Bio-digesters for 10 households each on Pilot Basis has been finalised with financial implications of Rs 3.50 crore,” he said.