Bilal Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 6, 2024 — While the Dal Lake on the Brink: LCMA and Local MLA’s Negligence Sends untreated Liquid Waste Directly into Lake via Dachigham Nallah, with no STPs in Place. Local Sources Reveal apart from these new 2 drainage RCP pies from Khwajabagh, wangunda tailbal, hundreds of Small Household Drainage Pipes Dumping Waste Directly into Dachigham Nallah from Harwan New Theet to Taibal and NFR (New Forshore road )
A toxic mix of untreated sewage and solid waste is flowing directly into the already deteriorating Dal Lake, with serious consequences for the water body’s future. Local residents and environmental activists are raising alarms about the continued pollution from various sources, including household drainage pipes and major sewage channels that feed into the Dachigham Nallah — the primary water channel that runs through the region.
Dr. Raja Muzaffar, a renowned RTI activist and environmentalist, voiced his concerns about the blatant violations of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, calling attention to the complete disregard for the law. “It is deeply unfortunate that liquid waste from areas like Tailbal, Theet Harwan, and the Dal peripheries continues to flow into the Dachigham Nallah unchecked. This is a clear violation of environmental norms,” Muzaffar stated. He went on to stress that the local administration and relevant authorities have failed to take responsibility for the crisis at hand.
The Dachigham Nallah, which connects various localities to Dal Lake, is now filled with untreated sewage, solid waste, and hazardous runoff. Sources reveal that apart from the newly installed drainage systems from Khwajabagh and Wangunda Tailbal, hundreds of small household drainage pipes are also dumping waste directly into the stream. From Harwan New Theet to Taibal and the NFR (National Highway Road), these waste channels continue to pollute the water, with little to no intervention from local authorities.
Local activist Sandeep Mawa, a businessman-turned-political figure, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of the lake. “Despite clear directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), liquid waste continues to flow into small streams and the Dachigham Nallah, eventually making its way into Dal Lake. This is a catastrophe in the making,” Mawa warned. The NGT had earlier taken suo-motu cognizance of the situation, issuing orders to curb municipal sewage dumping, after reviewing a report from the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC). The Tribunal’s report highlighted that the Dal Lake and its two primary channels — Nayadyar and Jogilankar — are almost anaerobic, with an alarming organic load of 23.5 mg/l.
In response to the escalating situation, the J&K Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC) issued several warnings, but reports from the ground suggest that no significant steps have been taken by local authorities to resolve the crisis.
Amid these challenges, Salman Sagar, the MLA for Hazratbal, has been under fire for his controversial actions regarding the issue. While tweeting his support for various local projects, sources claim that Sagar has turned a blind eye to the rampant violations happening in his constituency. Several local sources also allege that he has tacitly supported illegal constructions and activities that exacerbate the damage to the Nallah and, by extension, Dal Lake.
“The situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Despite the NGT’s orders, the continuous dumping of untreated sewage and solid waste into the water body not only violates environmental laws but is also contributing to the destruction of the region’s rich ecological heritage,” Mawa lamented.
Environmental experts are particularly concerned about the long-term impact of unchecked sewage flows, which have already led to the stagnation of Dal Lake and the decline in its biodiversity. The negligence of both the local government and the legislative representatives in curbing the illegal dumping practices has raised serious questions about the seriousness of their commitment to safeguarding the environment.
As the situation stands, Dal Lake — once a jewel of Srinagar and a symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty — faces an uncertain future. With local authorities failing to act, the call for immediate intervention grows louder from environmentalists, activists, and concerned citizens. The hope remains that the NGT’s intervention can provide the necessary course correction, but only time will tell if it is enough to save this iconic water body from further destruction.
“The time to act is now,” says Dr. Muzaffar. “Or we risk losing Dal Lake forever.”
Ironically, the urgent crisis surrounding Dal Lake is laid out in stark terms, emphasizing the negligence of local authorities and the urgent need for intervention. The involvement of local politicians such as Salman Sagar add layers of political tension and public accountability, while the concerns of environmentalists and legal figures highlight the severity of the situation.
