Srinagar, January 18, (Scoop News)-The Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad said that work is apace for the restoration of past pristine glory of Wullar Lake and this world famous water body is being developed as a world class tourist attraction.
This was stated by the Minister while reviewing restoration work apace on Wullar Lake, which is being executed by Wullar Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).
The Minister directed the WUCMA authorities to speed up the developmental work and ensure afforestation of hitherto deforestated areas of the Lake to restore pristine glory of the Lake and to maintain the local environment.
Mian Altaf said that the Lake is being developed in such a way which would attract national as well as international tourists aimed at to give fillip to the economic activities in the area and would provide much needed employment opportunities to the local unemployed, besides, transforming socio-economic life of the locals.
The Minister was informed that Rs. 122 crores have been earmarked for the Lakes, restoration work, so far and most parts of the Lake have been de-weeded and dredged.
It is pertinent to mention that Central Government has released Rs. 30 crores for Wullar Conservation and is committed to provide Rs. 120 crores for conservation and restoration of Wullar Lake.
This information was given to the Minister during his visit to Bandipora district and inspection of the work under execution on the Lake.
The Minister was told that the process of demarcation of the boundaries of Wullar Lake has been completed and 1159 boundary pillars have been fixed on the ground. He was also informed that the topographical survey of Naaz Nallah and Wullar Lake for an area of 6.97 square kilometers stands completed at a cost of Rs. 12.25 lakhs. Besides, the work for construction of strengthening 2.5 kilometer, 3rd line embankment of Wullar Lake has been completed.
The Minister directed the concerned authorities to acquire land for the office building and for developing ‘view points’ at various places in the Lake.
The Minister was accompanied by Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad, Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Geelani, Coordinator Water Management WUCMA, Rashid Naqash Coordinator WUCMA, CAT, Mohammad Maqbool Rather and other concerned officers.
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