(a) whether three important lakes namely Ancharsar, Khoshalsar and Gilsar are on the verge of extinction and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether no central funds have been allocated for these lakes as has been done for other such lakes in the country, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) whether the Government plans to restore these lakes under the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) As informed by the J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, Ancharsar, Khoshalsar and Gilsar lakes are in deteriorated condition.
(b) & (c) The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is currently implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) for conservation and management of identified wetlands in the country on cost sharing basis between Central Government and respective State Governments. The scheme covers various activities such as interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater, shoreline protection, lake front development, in-situ cleaning i.e. desilting & deweeding, storm water management, bioremediation, catchment area treatment, lake beautification, survey & demarcation, biofencing, fisheries development, weed control, biodiversity conservation, education and awareness creation, community participation, etc.
The central assistance is based on the proposals received from the State Governments, conformity with the guidelines and budget availability. Accordingly, so far, MoEF&CC has sanctioned projects for conservation of 150 wetlands in 15 States & 1 UT in the country and released an amount of Rs. 936 crore as central share under the scheme.
Based on the pre-feasibility report submitted for management of Ancharsar, Khoshalsar and Gilsar lakes, the State Government was informed to submit an integrated sewerage plan for the entire Srinagar city, as pollution from untreated sewer is a major factor for deterioration of these water bodies.
*****