SRINAGAR: The Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has started dredging five navigation channels as part of the plan to restore around 13 navigation channels in Dal Lake by the end of this year.
As per officials, the dredging has been started in five navigation channels viz. Tengbagh to Bakhuri Mohalla, Tengbagh to Aanchari Mohalla, Jalla Mohalla to Shamshan Ghat, Imam Barah Hassan Abad to Gurpora, Babademb outflow channel existing depth is 2 to 3 feet. He said after dredging it will be increased by 8 to 9 feet.
The concerned official said that for the first time dredging is going on in these Navigation channels, 13 outflow channels for approx length of 8.711 kms shall be cleared. The main cause of silt/sedimentation deposition is 2014 flood- silt, earth, debris and other waste material which shall be removed.
He added the average breadth of existing channels is 8mtr and after dredging it will be increased to approximately 10mtr. Also water carrying capacity will be increased. Once the work is completed there will be no more foul smell, the official added.
Meanwhile, locals of the area appreciated the efforts of LCMA.

KR Desk