JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has stated that several projects have been undertaken and completed to restore the Brari-Nambal Lagoon to its original state. These initiatives were carried out under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
The restoration efforts included dredging the main water body and its connected channels, such as Rainawari and Nowpora, the construction of a 1,000-metre walkway with slope stabilisation, improvements to a temple, removal of solid waste, restoration of damaged electric poles, repairs to existing grill fencing, and the installation of aerators. Additionally, the government undertook the integrated development of tourist facilities at the lagoon, including the construction of a food court near MP School, the installation of a fountain near Shehri Khas Gate, the construction of a central verge, the development of a jetty (flea market) near Shehri Khas Gate, construction of inner and outer pathways, and the provision of ornamental grill fencing.
The Brari-Nambal Lagoon, located on the periphery of Dal Lake, acts as an outflow basin, connecting the lake to the Jhelum River through a 468-metre-long conduit. This has improved water circulation and created an essential outflow channel for Dal Lake. Conservation and management plans for Dal and Nigeen Lakes have also been extended to Brari-Nambal Lagoon. The basin is delineated with permanent macadamised roads and footpaths to support restoration efforts.
The government disclosed that the rejuvenation of Brari-Nambal Lagoon was executed in multiple phases with a total expenditure of Rs 875.024 lakh. Phase I in 2019-20 focused on four patchworks of 250 metres each, costing Rs 0.12 crore. Phase II involved dredging work from Saida Kadal to Nowpora at an expenditure of Rs 4.32 crore. Phase III concentrated on the improvement and beautification of the temple premises. Phase IV included manual and mechanical dredging, construction of a 1,000-metre walkway, solid waste removal, restoration of damaged electric poles, repairs to grill fencing, and the supply and installation of aerators. The total cost of these works amounted to Rs 8.76 crore.
Further, under the PMDP, Rs 627.122 lakh was allocated for integrated tourist facility development. This included projects such as constructing a food court, installing a fountain, and developing pathways, ornamental grill fencing, and a flea market jetty near Shehri Khas Gate.
The Brari-Nambal Lagoon is also part of the annual maintenance activities undertaken for Dal and Nigeen Lakes, including seasonal de-weeding, solid waste collection, and aeration. However, restoration efforts have faced challenges due to private ownership of large portions of the lagoon. The government stated that of the 715 kanals and 3 marlas of land in Brari Nambal and Nowpora villages, 505 kanals and 19 marlas remain under private ownership, which has hindered dredging and other developmental activities. So far, 176 kanals and 98 square feet have been acquired before the creation of the lake conservation authority, but 428 kanals and 13 marlas remain under private ownership, including 305 kanals of land mass and 123 kanals of the water body.
Despite these challenges, the government said it is committed to restoring and developing Brari-Nambal Lagoon to enhance its ecological and tourism potential.
