J&K L-G Manoj Sinha Leads Dal Lake Cleanliness Drive Under ‘Sewa Parv’ — Rejuvenation Efforts Bring New Life to Srinagar’s Iconic Water Body

Srinagar, Sept 21 — In a heartening show of solidarity and civic responsibility, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, personally took part in a large-scale cleanliness drive at Dal Lake on Sunday. This initiative was organized as part of the ongoing ‘Sewa Parv’, a nationwide campaign celebrating selfless service and community involvement.

Standing amid the clear waters and scenic beauty of the Dal Lake, L-G Sinha highlighted the tremendous progress made over the past five years in reviving one of India’s most iconic urban lakes. “As part of Sewa Parv, I joined the Dal Lake Cleanliness Drive. In the last five years, preservation work for Dal-Nigeen Lake and its catchment area has been carried out in mission mode,” Sinha posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He shared with pride that over one-third of the Dal Lake has now been rejuvenated, thanks to extensive weed and lily removal projects. The lake’s surface area has expanded to an impressive 20.3 square kilometers, an achievement seen for the first time in recent history. This development is not just ecological—it is deeply cultural and economic, as the lake continues to draw large numbers of domestic and international tourists.

L-G Sinha also issued a call to action, urging the public to preserve water bodies like lakes and rivers through community involvement. “It is our collective responsibility to keep our natural resources clean. The future of our ecology and economy depends on it,” he said.

Dal Lake: The Beating Heart of Srinagar

More than just a water body, Dal Lake is the soul of Srinagar, often referred to as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.” It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and an essential hub for tourism, recreation, and livelihoods. Known as the natural lungs of the city, which houses over 1.26 million people, Dal Lake sustains not only aquatic life but also the dreams and lives of thousands of families.

The lake is famous for its floating gardens (Raad), vibrant houseboats, and picturesque shikaras, which glide across its waters carrying both locals and tourists. Mughal-era gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh further enhance its heritage value, providing scenic views that have captured the imagination of poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.

During harsh winters, Dal Lake sometimes freezes entirely, turning into a magical, icy expanse. Yet, even in those moments of stillness, it remains alive in the hearts of people.

Today, intensive restoration efforts are underway, with Rs 11 billion in funding from the Union government dedicated to tackling issues like eutrophication and bringing back the lake’s former glory.