Under 'Mission Ehsaas', Khushalsar lake's traditional tourist navigation route restored after 30 years

Nigeen Lake Conservation Organization (NLCO) along with Jammu and Kashmir government has accomplished a breakthrough as they have restored the traditional tourist navigation route of Khushalsar lake.

The government and NLCO cleaned the Zadibal-Sazgaripra route of Khushalsar under Pahse 2 of Mission Ehsaas. This traditional route had turned into a cesspool because of the encroachment and dumping of the waste.

The shikaras cruised through Khushalsar, Sazgaripora and Gili Kadal for the first time in thirty years.

Chairman NLCO Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo informed that a cleanliness drive was conducted in the Zadibal area in May, which was also joined by former senior civil servants. The machine was operated towards the Saidapora route which was blocked by decades-old muck. He also said that the massive landfilling, weed growth and landfilling had made the cleaning of the route very challenging. The particular part of the water body was completely neglected and some miscreants had tried to create hurdles. Some even confronted their volunteers. They counseled them and managed to pursue the work for the local's benefit.

Officials shared that a series of meetings had been conducted for quick restoration of the navigation route. A special meeting was organized with Principal Secretary, H&UDD who had assigned the restoration task of Gilsar and Khushalsar to SMC. Follow-up meetings were also held with LC&MA and SMC to fasten the restoration work. 

The Forest Department and SMC have together launched a drive to remove the trees blocking the channel from Sazgaripora's side. A year after its revival, the Khushalsar lake has become a tourist attraction.