The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) of Jammu and Kashmir has started the cleaning drive of Nigeen Lake, after some improvement in weather. The locals and houseboat owners are very happy about the step taken as it will improve the tourist footfall.
'Shikara' owner Ishfaq Ahmad said, "It will be very good if the lake is cleaned up, tourists will be happy too. We earn our bread from this, so if it is cleaned more tourists will come."
Malik Meraj, Junior Engineer, LAWDA said, "Nigeen is a sensitive lake from the tourists' point of view. The moment the weather got fine, we started with the cleaning. And it will continue till the time it is completely cleaned. It is important to maintain the aesthetic look and the quality of water of the lake."
"It is important for us to give a clean lake to the tourists. This year the weather was cold for comparatively longer time, but now we have fixed up the machines for cleaning. After this the process of de-weeding will also be done," he added.
Another houseboat owner Muhammad Shafi said, "Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has taken a good step of cleaning this lake. The weather is also fine now. Nigeen Lake is very famous all over the world."
"LAWDA cleans this lake sometimes once in a year, but if this is increased to three times then it will be very helpful," he added.
Another houseboat owner Muhammad Rafiq warned, "If the lake is not cleaned then it will be finished."
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The drive taken up by the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) plans to restore the lake's beauty through traditional cleaning process.
Laborers were engaged as part of this comprehensive cleaning drive in Nigeen Lake to maintain the famous water body at its best.
The LAWDA has initiated both traditional as well as modern cleanliness drive to restore its beauty.
The people living in this lake, especially, houseboat owners and 'Shikarawalas' have hailed this step taken by the authorities.