Srinagar: Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has abandoned dredging in Shalimar channel adjacent to Mughal Gardens turning it into a cesspool.
According to locals, the water channel has been turned into a garbage dumping site and foul sleep emanating from it troubles them.
The water channel is meant to flush out excess water from the Shalimar garden but now in the face of lack of maintenance, it is clogged with polythene bags and solid waste items. Amid the hotter summers, there is also a risk of waterborne diseases.
Mohammad Faisal, a local told Kashmir Reader that for the last seven years the LAWDA has ignored the channel completely.
“Huge grass has accumulated over the water channel and is blocking the flow of water. But the LAWDA is in deep slumber and is not ready to spend a single penny for its conservation,” he said.
Another local, Javid Hassan stated that the dredging can bring the water body back to life. “This can add to the beauty of the area,” he added.
A senior official at LAWDA wishing anonymity said that the department has already submitted a detailed report about conservation of the channel to the government. The work was delayed following the Covid-19 lockdown, he added
Vice-Chairman LAWDA, Tufail Mattoo told Kashmir Reader that dredging work will be carried on the channel in the coming week.

NAZIMA SIDIQ