Srinagar, December 5, 2025: Socio-Political Activist and Senior Trade Union Leader Muhammad Altaf Dar Rajbagh today voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating state of Kashmir’s vital water bodies, including Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Baba Demb, the River Jhelum, and Anchar Lake. He is calling for authorities to implement a comprehensive, scientific, and sustained conservation strategy to address the escalating threats facing these precious ecosystems.
While commending the recent revitalization efforts for Gilsar-Khushalsar Lakes, Altaf Dar emphasized that critical challenges remain unaddressed elsewhere. “What about the ongoing encroachments at Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Baba Demb, River Jhelum, and Anchar Lake?” he questioned.
Altaf Dar highlighted several alarming issues plaguing these water bodies:
Unchecked illegal constructions
Ongoing landfilling activities
Extensive weed infestations
Solid waste dumping
Shrinking water channels due to administrative negligence and weak enforcement
He underscored the interconnectedness of these ecological systems, asserting that a selective approach to conservation is inadequate. “Restoring one lake while neglecting others is an incomplete strategy. Damage to one water body ultimately affects all,” warned Altaf Dar.
Altaf Dar has urged key governmental and administrative figures, including Chief Minister Omer Abdullah, the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister, and the Lake Conservation and Management Authority, to extend the same level of commitment and scientific planning demonstrated in the Gilsar-Khushalsar project to other crucial water bodies in the region.
He cautioned that without cohesive and coordinated action, ongoing encroachments and pollution will continue to jeopardize Kashmir’s delicate natural ecosystem, potentially undoing years of progress achieved in conservation efforts.
“Only a unified, science-led, and strictly enforced conservation plan can ensure the long-term protection of Kashmir’s lifeline water bodies,” Altaf Dar concluded.
