SYED TAHIR IQBAL GEELANI Vs. STATE OF J&K

JUDGEMENT

(1.) With regard to the contouring of the floor/bed of the Dal Lake, we are informed that IIT Roorkee in its Vision Document which was prepared in the year 2016 has carried out the bath metric survey using traditional methods. The said survey is available at page 264 onwards of the Vision Document. One interesting point which has emerged is that the Dal Lake is, as its deepest point, only 5.4 metres deep and that happens to be near Hazratbal. The Nigeen Lake is by and large deeper than the Dal Lake and its deepest point would be around 6 metres deep. This is contrary to general public perception that both the Dal and Nigeen Lakes are much deeper than this. It is, however, submitted in the status report submitted on behalf of the LAWDA that accurate scientific bathymetry needs to be done using differential Global Positioning System aided by Echo Sounder. The process of obtaining the equipment to carry out such a study has been undertaken. Once such a study is done, then it would be possible to do 3D modeling of the floor/bed of the Dal and Nigeen Lakes.

(2.) The Vision Document prepared by the IIT Roorkee in 2016 is yet to be approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee and the same shall form part of the subject matter of discussion in the next meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee which is to take place on 19.08.2017.

(3.) With regard to the measurement of water quality of the Dal Lake, the same is being conducted by the State Pollution Control Board. The R &M Division of LAWDA which is also staffed with scientific personnel is required to do water quality monitoring but they do not have a modern laboratory. The Vice Chairman, LAWDA, is present, who states that a proposal has been put up before the Government for sanctioning of funds for setting up a modern laboratory for the R &M Division so that water sampling etc., can be done on a regular basis and steps can be taken pursuant thereto. We direct the Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, to ensure that this proposal is processed at the earliest. A report with regard to this be placed before this Court on or before the next date of hearing. In the meanwhile, the data that is collected by the State Pollution Control Board shall be shared with the LAWDA so that they may take remedial measures immediately to ensure there is no further deterioration in the water quality and in fact steps should be taken to improve the water quality of the Dal Lake.