Pointing out that nitrates, phosphates and other nutrients were present beyond the permissible limits in the Dal Lake, the High Court today directed the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority to check the sources of these pollutants rather than focusing on weed-cutting.
A division bench of the court headed by the Chief Justice also observed that the pH value of the lake water was high which meant that the water was alkaline in nature.
“You have to apply your mind on how it can be controlled. These (nutrients and pH) increase with increase of temperature in the Dal Lake in summer and autumn,” the bench said while asking the authorities concerned to analyse the problem areas.
Raising doubts over the efficiency and water-treating capabilities of the already-installed sewerage treatment plants around the lake, the court said despite these treatment plants, the nutrients, phosphates and nitrates were still there in the water.
“Don’t allow sewage in the Dal Lake as it is the reason for spreading of weeds and their growth,” the court said.
“Instead of cutting the weed, cut the sources that lead to its growth. So far, things have been going on in an unscientific way,” the court said while seeking a fresh status report from the authority.
The condition of the Nigeen Lake is even worse, the court noted, adding that Anchar, Gilsar and other lakes in the city had already vanished and were now only marshy lands.
The High Court also directed authorities to find out the source that contaminates Cheshma Shahi (royal spring) water, adding that its water quality had been found to be slightly contaminated.
Chalk out ways to check Dal Lake pollution: High Court
