‘Drunkards’ another threat to Dal

‘Drunkards’ another threat to Dal

Locals and tourists aghast

Ishaq Bhat

Srinagar: After facing turbulent period of encroachments, Valley’s famous Dal Lake faces another threat as drunkards throw empty liquor bottles into it intoxicating its habitat.

The inhabitants of the lake claim that drunkards throw empty bottles and tins into it instead of dustbins.

“Every morning I find dozens of empty liquor bottles floating in the lake, and other material which are a source of pollution to the water body,” Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Dalgate told Agence India Press.

Experts believe that empty liquor bottles are pollutants and it will affect habitat of the water body, whether it is in plastic, glass or tin form.

Riyaz Ahmad Baba, an environmental expert also told Agence India Press, that the habitat of any water body was composed of four layers; if bottles float they would affect the top layer. And if it sinks it would affects lower most layer and decreases its area.

“With decrease in area aeration of the water body will be blocked and the dissolved Oxygen will decrease as well. The living creatures in the water body utilize this oxygen for their sustenance,” Baba said.

“There is possibility when these empty bottles are thrown into the water body some alcohol may be left, which is also harmful to the aquatic habitat,” Baba said.

Earlier, protests were held outside the liquor shops at Boulevard demanding a complete ban on sale of liquor to save the precious water body.

“I participated in the protest held outside liquor shops for complete ban on sale of liquor in the Valley. The lake is the only source of my income. When the lake is polluted it will snatch my livelihood,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a boat owner.

He demanded stern action against the erring people.

Not only are the locals demanding an end to it, but tourists also support their cause.

“It is awful see liquor bottles floating on it. If it is not dealt with the world will soon lose a precious tourist destination,” said Vijay Kumar, a tourist.

“Dal Lake is a precious product of tourism industry; authorities need to protect this treasure and glory of the valley. There must be strict guidelines given to houseboat owners, hoteliers, tourists as well as locals to keep the pollutants away from the water body,” said Rahul Sharma, another tourist. (AIP News)