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Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 22 March 2017

SRINAGAR: Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir today expressed grave concern over the depleting water bodies and water resources in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the valley. “Kashmir was known for its streams, rivers, springs and lakes across the world, but many of the water bodies, including world famous Dal and Wullar Lake have shrunk due to human encroachments and continuous dumping of pollutants. Some of the water bodies, including Aanchaar Lake and springs in South Kashmir’s Anantnag have now disappeared and many others are on the verge of extinction,” Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir said while delivering the presidential address during a function organized by the Directorate of Students Welfare (DSW) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Studies to commemorate the World Water Day 2017.

 

Special lectures and panel discussion was organized on this year’s theme “Conservation of Water Resources and Waste Water Management,” during the function, which was also attended by Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. S Fayyaz, Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Fayaz A Nikka, senior faculty members, administrative officers, students and senior officials from Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Irrigation and Flood Control and Pollution Control Board.

Referring to the Cauvery water dispute between the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the skirmishes between the Government of Delhi and Haryana on water canal, Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir said that water has become a source of conflict not only between the States, but also the neighboring countries. Underscoring the need of conserving and preserving water, he said that launching of awareness campaigns for the same was need of the hour.

 

Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar while addressing the gathering, asked the students to take an initiative for preserving the water bodies in the valley. “The students should create awareness among the masses about the benefits of these water bodies and the ways and means to preserve and protect them,” he said adding that protection of water bodies was the only way to prevent the drinking water crisis, which according to him, was looming large.

Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. S Fayyaz, while addressing the gathering, said that protection of the water bodies, especially the lakes and streams, was also imperative as thousands of tourists across the country and the world visit them. “Srinagar is known for Dal Lake while Pahalgam is famous for gushing waters and hence it becomes necessary for us to protect them from encroachments and pollution,” he added.

Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Fayaz A Nikka while speaking on the occasion, said the main objective of holding the function was to sensitize the students about the importance of preserving the water resources. He also expressed concern over the diminishing water bodies. Scientist PCB, Mr. Shabir Ahmad, Engineer from Irrigation and Flood Control, Er. Tasaduq Hussain, and Ms Neelofar from LAWDA, also spoke on the occasion. Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Studies, Mr. Ashaq Hussain Najar conducted the programme proceedings while as Assistant Professor, Department of Convergent Journalism, Dr. John K Babu proposed the vote of thanks.