SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday directed authorities to expedite ongoing lake conservation and restoration projects across Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring strict adherence to environmental safeguards and statutory procedures.
Chairing 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), the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of major conservation initiatives concerning the Dal, Nigeen, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes.
The meeting assessed the implementation of decisions taken during the previous Board meeting and reviewed progress on several key projects, including the Integrated Management Plan for the Dal-Nigeen lake ecosystem, eco-development of lake hamlets, expansion of sewerage infrastructure, lake cleaning operations and other measures aimed at improving the ecological health of the water bodies.
Emphasising the need for coordinated action, Omar Abdullah said that conservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s lakes requires sustained institutional collaboration, scientific planning and timely execution of projects. He directed the concerned departments and the Authority to accelerate ongoing works and ensure that environmental considerations remain central to all interventions.
The Board also held detailed discussions on proposals related to strengthening the LCMA, modernisation of sewerage management systems, conservation and restoration of Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes, and enhancement of the Authority’s institutional capacity.
During the deliberations, the Chief Minister directed that proposals requiring further examination be revised and resubmitted after incorporating observations and suggestions made by the Board.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s fragile lake ecosystems, Omar Abdullah stressed that conservation efforts must be guided by scientific assessment, environmental sustainability and long-term public interest. He also called for regular monitoring of ongoing works and closer inter-departmental coordination to ensure measurable improvements in lake management and conservation outcomes.
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, besides senior officers of the concerned departments and the Lake Conservation and Management Authority.
