Srinagar: Contrary to common belief that world famous Dal Lake and Nigeen lakes in this summer capital, Srinagar, are very deep, a bathymetric study has revealed that deepest points of these waterbodies are 5.4 meters and 6 meters, respectively.
Bathymetry is the study to measure the depth of water in oceans, seas, or lakes.
This information was given to High Court (HC), which is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against unabated illegal construction in Dal Lake.
The HC was informed that bathymetric study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, which was hired to prepare a ‘vision document’ on Dal Lake in 2016, has shown that the lake is 5.4 metres deep at its deepest point near Hazratbal.
Meanwhile, the court was further informed that IIT Roorkee in its vision document had said that Nigeen Lake was by and large deeper than the Dal Lake with deepest point about 6 meters.
The HC observed that these findings were contrary to the belief that the two lakes were very deep.
However, the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) informed the court that accurate scientific bathymetry studies needs to be carried out by using differential global positioning system aided by Echo Sounder.
“IIT’s Vision Document is yet to be approved by the state government’s Scientific Advisory Committee and therefore the next meeting of the committee on August 19 should have the document too on its agenda,” the court directed.
The court expressed concern that Research and Monitoring (R&M) division of the LAWDA doesn’t have modern laboratory to measure the water quality of the Dal Lake.
To this, the LAWDA Vice-chairman informed the court that he has put up the proposal for funds for setting up of the laboratory for R&M division so that water sampling can be done.
“The secretary Housing and Urban Development department should ensure that the proposal was processed at the earliest and compliance report filed by the next date,” the court directed.
The court further asked Pollution Control Board (PCB) to share the data it has collected with the LAWDA so that it may take immediate remedial measures to avoid deterioration of the lake water quality.
The court said a similar exercise should be carried out to monitor the water quality of Nigeen Lake.
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