CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Lake Conservation Projects, Calls for Faster Execution
Srinagar, June 25, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired the 27th Board of Directors meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), where he reviewed the progress of ongoing conservation initiatives and discussed policy, administrative and infrastructure-related issues concerning the Valley’s major water bodies.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Forests, Environment and Ecology Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mandeep Kaur and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed the action taken on decisions made at its previous meeting and assessed the progress of key conservation projects, including the Integrated Management Plan for the Dal-Nigeen lake ecosystem, eco-development of lake hamlets, strengthening of sewerage infrastructure, lake cleaning operations and other measures aimed at improving the ecological health of Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes.
Emphasising the need for sustained institutional coordination, scientific planning and timely execution, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments and the Lake Conservation and Management Authority to expedite ongoing projects while ensuring strict adherence to environmental safeguards and statutory procedures.
The Board also held detailed deliberations on proposals relating to strengthening the Authority, modernisation of sewerage management systems, conservation of Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes and enhancement of institutional capacity. Omar Abdullah directed that proposals requiring further examination be revised and resubmitted after incorporating observations made during the meeting.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile lake ecosystem, the Chief Minister said conservation efforts must be guided by scientific assessment, environmental sustainability and long-term public interest.
He also stressed the need for regular monitoring of ongoing works and close coordination among departments to ensure tangible improvements in the conservation and management of the Union Territory’s lakes. [KNT]
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