Untreated sewage, solid waste major factors behind Dal pollution: Study

A study conducted by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, (SKUAST-K) has revealed that anthropogenic pressures, such as untreated sewage and solid waste from residential areas, have significantly contributed to the pollution of the Dal Lake, one of Kashmir’s most iconic and ecologically vital water bodies.

In a study conducted over 12 months, from March 2021 to February 2022, 17 physicochemical parameters of the lake were analysed monthly at seven distinct sites.

The recently published report in an environmental journal concluded that the effects of various environmental stresses and their consequences are evident in Dal Lake.

The study found that almost all parameters analysed indicated an increasing pollution load on the lake. It attributed this rise to anthropogenic pressures, including untreated sewage and solid waste from residential areas and fertilisers containing nitrates and phosphates, all of which have “contributed to the lake’s eutrophic condition.”

According to the research, these changes are attributed to anthropogenic forces, natural factors and inadequate management. The study’s authors also noted that, as an urban lake, Dal Lake’s stress is more pronounced.

“The possible reason being a more rapid increase in human population being settled in the immediate catchment area of the lake, leading to an increase in developmental activities and thus putting more pressure on the lake in terms of release of higher level biologically important nutrients. Also, inefficient/incomplete treatment of wastewaters by STPs, which is directly releasing sewage in this water body, has resulted in changing the trophic condition of the Dal Lake,” the study said.

Although the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) is managing the lake through various interventions, there is a need for well-planned, long-term experimental research, the report said. This requires training in appropriate methodologies and the development of necessary infrastructure, it said.

“We can save Dal provided we make more efforts. Also the need of hour is if there is a developmental plan, experts need to be taken onboard for the same,” said Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a faculty member at the Department of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, and one of the authors of the study.

While the experts have raised concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake over the years, the Jammu and Kashmir government is also making efforts with Rs 273-crore Dal Lake conservation plan. The plan includes components like dredging, catchment area management, development of sewerage network, etc.