Srinagar, September 21, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that lakes and rivers serve as the vital lifelines of communities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), urging collective action to preserve these precious water bodies for current and future generations. Speaking at a Swachhta (cleanliness) drive organized under the Sewa Parv initiative at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake, Sinha highlighted the indispensable role of water resources amid recent natural challenges that have underscored their true value.”The existence of the Dal Lake is important for us and the future generations,” Sinha stated, according to reports from the event. He stressed that safeguarding these ecosystems is not solely the responsibility of agencies like the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), but a duty shared by every citizen. “We must build awareness for future generations to preserve rivers and lakes as symbols of reverence and culture,” he added, calling for community involvement in conservation efforts.Sinha commended the visible improvements in Dal Lake’s condition over the past five years, attributing the progress to collaborative efforts by local residents, LCMA, and other stakeholders.
Key initiatives include connecting all houseboats to the Sewage Water Integrated Cleaning (SWIC) programme and the upcoming Dal-Nigeen Eco Project, which is expected to enhance tourism while promoting sustainability. He also praised sanitation workers for their tireless contributions, noting that such drives are improving the ease of living in both urban and rural areas of J&K.The event, part of the broader Sewa Parv campaign aligned with national service initiatives, comes at a time when J&K faces environmental pressures from climate variability and urbanization. Sinha referenced recent floods and droughts that have highlighted the fragility of water systems, reinforcing the need for proactive preservation to sustain agriculture, tourism, and daily livelihoods. “It’s the collective responsibility of all to preserve the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir,” he reiterated.This call to action aligns with national environmental goals under Swachh Bharat and aligns with ongoing projects to restore iconic water bodies like Dal and Nigeen Lakes, positioning J&K as a model for eco-conscious development.
