As revealed before the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, the Srinagar Master Plan 2035 has proposed various limits for constructions in and around Dal Lake.
From Dalgate and Nehru Park, a 50-meter bar from the edge of the lake or building line whichever was more was proposed. From Nehru Park to Nishat junction (NFR), 100 meter from edge of the lake was set along with Nishat Garden to Naseem Bagh, Naseem Bagh to Ashai Bagh Bridge and Nigeen. 50 meters was as regards Western periphery of Dal Lake from Saidakadal to Dalgate. However the High Court rejected it and ordered that it should be read 200-meters.
Starting from dated 19 July 2002, the court has expressly prohibited new construction work or even carrying of building material in and around 200 meters from the periphery of Dal Lake. The only exception provided was for the purposes of grant of permission for the repairs and renovation of the existing buildings and structures falling within 200 meters. Importantly, the court said that efforts made by it and by the various authorities involved in the preservation of Dal Lake cannot be put to naught. The Court rightly underlined the continuous need to ensure the preservation of the Lake described by it as “crown jewel”. It has expressly ordered that 200 meters of the periphery of Dal Lake shall continue to “hold the field” and that the buffer zones for Dal Lake in the Master Plan 2035 shall be read to be 200 meters.”
The Master Plan 2035 envisages use of the Buffer Zones for amusement parks, aquariums and swimming pools. But the court rightly pointed out that the same will require construction of a permanent nature and would have a drastic impact on the beauty of the waterfront and the lake and surroundings. Also the utilization of the buffer zones for swimming pools, amusement parks, theme parks and the like would also envisage high footfalls and consequent impact on the area in terms of waste disposal, littering, pollution etc. Importantly and rightly also, it has been barred.
Over the years, the conservation efforts have witnessed simultaneous progress and reversal as well as inordinate delays in execution. There is a need to take all the requisite measures to restore the ecosystem of the Lake and preserve its unique biodiversity. The concerns by the court are indisputable and as such all efforts should be made to save the ‘crown jewel’.
