Sewa Parv: LG Manoj Sinha Leads Dal Lake Clean-Up & Calls for Collective Action

Sewa Parv: LG Manoj Sinha Leads Dal Lake Clean-Up & Calls for Collective Action With the resolve of Swaraj, Swachhata and Inclusive Governance, this festival of ‘Sewa Parv’ is being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir from 17th September to 2nd October. In this connection, the campaign to clean Dal Lake has started today with community participation. I heartily congratulate all the enlightened citizens and sanitation workers of Srinagar for this programme, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha. It is a belief in our tradition that rivers never drink their own water. Rather, water flows in rivers for the salvation of others. Trees never eat their own fruits but leave them for others to eat. Similarly, clouds also never eat the crops grown by the water they rain down. I think that in the same way, the lives of enlightened people in society are dedicated not only to themselves but also to the service of society and the welfare of others. I believe that these ideals have guided the people of our country for centuries.We all know that the existence of Dal Lake is more important for the people than for itself. Dal Lake is the identity of this place, it is the identity of everyone. Be it Dal Lake or Nagin, all the lakes and rivers of Jammu and Kashmir are the lifeline of the people here. And a huge population of the people depend on them for their livelihood.And hence, it is not only the responsibility of the SMC, LCMA or the government employees, but it is also the moral responsibility of the public to contribute wholeheartedly in cleaning the lakes and other water bodies of ours. I remember at an event in 2023 where Dr Karan Singh was present, he remarked that I don’t know whether any other work has been done in Kashmir or not but I am seeing such a clear lake for the first time in 20-25 years. I would like to give credit for this to all my colleagues in the administration and the enlightened citizens here, the civil society, the lake conservation and management authority and the colleagues associated with many voluntary organizations. In the last few years, I believe that a very sensitive effort has been made to conserve the 350 square km catchment area of ​​Dal and Nagin Lakes.One third of the lake was restored in this campaign. Around 6.5 square kilometer area has become lily-free. It is a matter of happiness that the open expanse of Dal Lake has now increased to more than 20 square kilometers. This year, the Lake Conservation & Management Authority has completed several projects in the region. This has transformed the lives of the people living around Dal. An attempt was made to connect all the hoseboats to sewage treatment plants. Work on this is still going on under the Amrit Scheme of the Government of India. A new plan for a sewage treatment plant at a cost of Rs 350 crore is in the pipeline. Response to launch of Integrated Management of Dal and Nagin Lake Ecosystem Projects under Prime Minister’s Package Development has begun. And this project costing Rs. 212 crore will not only bring a change in the lives of the residents living near Dal but will also give a new impetus to the tourism here. Today, many sanitation workers and several beneficiaries associated with Swanidhi were publicly felicitated here. They are a witness to the fact that whether it is the Panchayat or the urban local bodies, they are constantly engaged in cleanliness. Not only has there been a new awakening regarding cleanliness, but the resolve for quality of living is also visible among the people, be it in cities or villages. A kind of competition regarding cleanliness has started in the villages and cities of Jammu and Kashmir, which is taking Jammu and Kashmir towards a pleasant change. And because of this, the possibilities of development of tourism also get strengthened. I would request all the officers and all the administrative colleagues working in the government that it is important that this campaign continues. Today, I would request every person and every family to spare not just one day but a few hours every month for service to the organization. At least we should take a step forward in cleaning the places around us, whether they are part of the city or village, rivers, lakes or ponds. The public should also ensure that we ourselves do not pollute rivers and lakes. We appreciate your support in this campaign, LG added. And this cleanliness festival started by respected Prime Minister Shri Modi ji will definitely be a success. I heartily congratulate all of you for serving with a spirit of selflessness and hope that your selfless service will continue, said the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.