Bandipora: The historic Manasbal Lake in Kashmir Valley has turned into a dust bin due to negligence of Mansbal Development Authority. Locals throw the waste into the lake caring a fig for this historic lake, which is counted among the six most beautiful lakes in the world.
Some of the concerned citizens said that some locals from adjacent areas including Rather Mohlla, Hanji Mohlla, Kondabal throw their waste into the lake. They think people treat this lake as dumping site.
“In broad day light, people can be seen throwing waste including plastic bottles and polythene into the lake, much to the discomfiture of those conscious citizens who care for this historical lake,” a citizen from Safapora Ganderbal Showkat Ahmed said.
Another citizen Nazir Ahmed said that Manasbal lake is main source of drinking water for locals and yet Manasbal Development Authority despite knowing the fact is acting as an ostrich and initiating no action against those who pollute this beautiful lake. He said due to pollution, the existence of this lake is in danger. “The lake water is becoming toxic due to pollution from all sides. As a result, many species of aquatic organisms and fish are becoming extinct.”
Recently, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir visited the Lake and held an interaction with the officials from Mansbal Development Authority urging them to develop the lake for water tourism. “In this situation when lake is being freely polluted by some selfish elements, revival of water tourism is dead impossible,” said a social worker Parvez Ahmed.
“No tourist will arrive here if locals continue to dump waste into the lake,” he added.
An official from Mansbal Development Authority said that measures have already been taken to curb the pollution of the lake. He said they constitute a team that will take action against those who pollute this beautiful lake. (KNT)