Page 135 - year book 22-23(22.08)

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AWARENESS ABOUT NATURAL WATER BODIES WATERBODIES AND

WATERSHED IN PAIRED STATE (JAMMU & KASHMIR, LADAKH)

Awareness on the famous Dal Lake, Wular Lake and other water bodies has been stressed upon by
Lieutenant Governor emphasising the need to take all necessary innovative and efficient measures

in this regard.
Though a separate department Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh lakes and Waterways Development
Authority (JKLDA), an autonomous body, was created by the Government to exclusively look after,
manage and conserve water bodies and waterways of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, the fact of the

matter is that expecting sporadic de-weeding here and there, no perceptible change in the scenario of
pollution, encroachment, violation and neglect of these irretrievable natural boons has taken place.
The water bodies are abused like water pollution, grabbing the land, dumping all waste material into
it from the adjoining localities, etc. The people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh feel blighted

because they do not have a say in their control of their water resources. The use of water resources in
their state has not been reciprocated with compensation or setting up of industries, job creation
or local involvement in water resource management.
Jammu Kashmir faces a string of water related issues. First most of the lakes in the region, including,

famous Dal Lake, have been pushed to the verge of extinction by excessive water pollution.
Unplanned development in the city and poor sanitation has resulted in shrinking the Dal Lake to
almost half its size. Second and more significantly the hydroelectric projects have had devastating
environmental effects.

India's Kishanganga project though currently embroiled, when completed will submerge and
inundate many parts of the beautiful Gurez Valley and Displace more than 25000 Darshin people
from their ancient homeland.
Given the current water shortage in Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh people's grievances against the

damming of the place, watershed management could and should be a potential solution. The local
government must explore this option and like MP, involve the Kashmiris in its implementation. It
will give them the opportunity that has so far been denied to them, in managing their own natural
resources.

J.SANGAMITHRA
8-C