ATHWAS: Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, J&K initiates cleanliness drive of Dal Lake on 11th day

SRINAGAR, APRIL 19: The cleanliness drive of Dal Lake organized by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority continued on the 11th day today under the ATHWAS initiative of the government.

Today, M.P Singh, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, J&K and Ladakh participated in the initiative of Dal Cleaning drive.

Singh was welcomed by Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Vice Chairman of J&K LCMA and Gazalla Abdullah, DFO, Srinagar and was escorted by the students of Govt. Women College, Nawakadal.

They enjoyed removing weeds from the Dal Lake through sticks and loaded it on the nearby “Shikaras” which is the traditional method of de-weeding the water bodies. Children enjoyed this ceremony and raised slogans to save Dal Lake.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that Dal the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir” is not merely a water body like other lakes, but is a source of livelihood for thousands of people who run House Boats & “Shikaras” for the tourists.

The House Boats offer a blend of luxury and the rich heritage of Kashmir. The ride on famous “Shikara” gives a unique enchanting experience in the tranquil waters of Dal. Lakhs of tourists as well as migratory birds visit Dal every year and it is the pious duty of all citizens to protect the beauty of this lake.

Singh urged local college students to feel proud of their rich heritage and associate their friends and family members in creating awareness for clean environment for healthy living as well to boost tourism in the region.