Sarwar Maqbool
Dal Lake is not merely a scenic symbol of Srinagar; it is the city’s ecological core and an economic backbone for thousands of families. For years, however, this iconic water body endured neglect born of administrative apathy, unplanned urban growth, untreated sewage, and overlapping institutional mandates. Against this troubled history, the tenure of former Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta represented a decisive shift—one that brought clarity, discipline, and purpose to the long-delayed effort to restore Dal Lake.
What distinguished Mehta’s approach was his clear refusal to treat Dal Lake as a cosmetic project or a seasonal cleanliness exercise. He framed its revival as a complex environmental and governance challenge—one that required scientific understanding, institutional coordination, and policy continuity. In an ecosystem previously weakened by fragmented decision-making, this perspective proved critical.
Under his leadership, inter-departmental coordination improved substantially. Agencies responsible for urban development, tourism, housing, and the Lakes & Waterways Development Authority were pressed into a framework of shared accountability. Regular reviews, field inspections, and clearly defined targets replaced the vague commitments that had long stalled progress. This administrative discipline helped revive momentum in a mission that had remained largely adrift.
Sewage management emerged as a central priority, rightly identified as the most damaging source of pollution. Expansion and upgrading of sewage treatment plants, coupled with stricter monitoring, significantly reduced the inflow of untreated waste into the lake. Alongside this, mechanised de-weeding and improved solid waste management ensured that maintenance efforts did not lapse back into routine neglect. These interventions addressed fundamentals—without which any restoration narrative would have remained superficial.
Equally notable was Mehta’s support for firm action against encroachments, a politically sensitive yet environmentally unavoidable step. While resistance was inevitable, the administration demonstrated resolve, recognising that ecological restoration demands difficult choices. Importantly, enforcement was paired with rehabilitation measures and lawful alternatives, reflecting an attempt to balance environmental necessity with social considerations.
Transparency and accountability became defining features of this phase. Progress updates grounded in measurable indicators, rather than rhetoric, lent credibility to the restoration effort. In environmental governance, public trust is essential; Mehta’s data-driven approach helped reassure citizens that Dal Lake’s revival was being pursued with seriousness and integrity.
Perhaps most significant was the broader vision underpinning these efforts. Dal Lake was no longer viewed in isolation but as an integral part of Srinagar’s urban ecosystem. Drainage patterns, land-use planning, tourism pressures, and climate vulnerability were all treated as interconnected variables. This systems-based thinking aligned the restoration drive with long-term sustainability, moving it beyond short-term optics.
It must be acknowledged that Dal Lake’s revival remains a work in progress. The damage inflicted over decades cannot be reversed within a single administrative tenure. Yet, governance is often judged not only by final outcomes but by direction and intent. By restoring administrative seriousness, enforcing accountability, and anchoring action in scientific reasoning, Arun Kumar Mehta helped place Dal Lake’s restoration on a credible and forward-looking path.
As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with intensifying environmental challenges, the lesson from this phase is unmistakable: natural assets recover when governance is steady, informed, and courageous. Dal Lake’s slow journey towards renewal carries that message—and affirms that committed administration can still make a meaningful difference.
