Srinagar, May 27 (ANI): Authorities in Srinagar have launched a massive cleanliness drive to restore the glory of the famous Dal Lake, currently choked by weeds and garbage.
The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has deployed machines and labourer to clean the lake and make it a tourist attraction.
"This time we are observing that the rush of tourists is more than in the past two years. We have started a cleanliness drive to clean the Dal Lake so that tourists can enjoy the beauty of the lake. We have also deployed manual labourers in the cleanliness drive. Our motto is to present a beautiful and clean lake before the tourists," said Mushtaq Hussian Jan, LAWDA Executive Engineer.
Residents appreciated the step, as it would help Kashmir's economy.
"It is beneficial for Kashmir if more tourists come to the Valley as 85 percent of our economy is dependent on tourism. Dal Lake should be completely cleaned," said Waseem Ahmad.
Tourists also were glad to see the lake being cleared
"The Dal Lake would once more become as beautiful as we had seen in old Bollywood movies, and that look would surely come back and that would definitely increase the attention of tourists like us more and more," said Sanjeeta Banerjee, a tourist from Kolkata.
The lake has halved in size in the last few decades following unchecked land encroachment, and has been reached to some 13 square kilometers.
A study in 2007 by the state's Comptroller and Auditor General reported that the lake has excessively high levels of toxic metals due to sewage. (ANI)
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