DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
BANDIPORA, Nov 11
In order to assess the progress of projects/ works under WUCMA a meeting of concerned officers was today held at Mini-Secretariat, Bandipora.
The meeting discussed in detail, major functions of WUCMA and Legal Instruments for the conservation and management of Wullar lake.
During the meeting, it was revealed that as per revenue records the total lake area of Wullar lake is 130 sq km surrounded by 30 village within district Bandipora and Baramulla with 3.5 lakh population.
It was given out that an expenditure of Rs.230.71 crores have been made out of total Rs.241.49 released funds for different developmental and conservation works of Wullar lake.
It was also informed that 5 sq km (500Ha) of critically silted area have been dredged, removing 78.25 lac cums of silt besides 84 km long Wullar boundary has been completed with 1159 geotagged boundary pillars restoring the water holding capacity of the lake and improve water regime besides restoring habitat for migratory birds. The meeting also discussed works that need intervention of District Administration for early completion besides discussed waste management under convergence between Municipality, RDD and WUCMA for comprehensive solid waste management plan for 30 notified habitations and master plan for notified villages of Wullar lake.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Younis Malik, Vice-Chairman, Lake Conservation and Management Authority and CEO, WUCMA emphasized the need of conservation and management of Wullar lake keeping in view ecological concerns and safeguarding livelihood of people living around Wullar.
He highlighted the role of other concerned departments besides WUCMA in conservation and management works.
Malik, stressed on enhancing pace of various works of Wullar lake and removing bottlenecks if any, for timely completion. He also highlighted community mobilization in Wullar conservation and management works besides development of eco tourism. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri took stock of progress of various developmental works of WUCMA and issues hampering the pace of work.
The DC assured support of District Administration in resolving issues. He urged the executing agencies and other concerned departments to complete the works under WUCMA within stipulated time.
Among others, the meeting was attended by ADC Zaffar Hussain, CPO Bandipora Mohammad Maqbool, Coordinator WUCMA, Officers from R&B, I&FC, Forest and other concerned.
