Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 9

Jammu and Kashmir’s Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has stepped up efforts to restore the Khushalsar-Gilsar lake system in Srinagar, ordering faster boundary demarcation, enhanced protection against encroachments and the deployment of restoration machinery, officials said on Thursday.

LCMA Vice Chairman Khurshid Ahmad Shah reviewed conservation work during an inspection of the Khushalsar-Gilsar wetlands, covering Gil Kadal, Sazgaripora, Saidapora and adjoining areas.

Shah directed field teams to expedite the demarcation and marking of identified land parcels to establish clear boundaries for the water bodies and their protected areas.

He said timely completion of the exercise was essential for safeguarding the ecologically sensitive wetlands and preventing fresh encroachments.

The vice chairman also instructed officials to intensify monitoring and ensure regular inspections to detect unauthorised activity within the demarcated areas.

As part of the restoration programme, Shah ordered the immediate deployment of a water master and barge to the lake system to accelerate cleaning and rehabilitation work.

He also asked the engineering wing to prepare a proposal for installing chain-link fencing along vulnerable stretches of the lakes to strengthen physical protection of the wetlands.

Officials said the fencing would help secure demarcated land and discourage encroachments.

During the visit, Shah reiterated the authority’s commitment to conserving the Khushalsar-Gilsar lake system through scientific management, infrastructure development and continuous monitoring.