SRINAGAR: A Joint Committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has submitted a fresh report on the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake, identifying untreated sewage, poorly performing sewage treatment plants (STPs), unconnected houseboats, lake hamlets and expanding human activity as the principal sources of pollution affecting the waterbody. The report was filed before the NGT in compliance with its October 27, 2025 directions in the ongoing matter concerning Dal Lake’s degradation.
The Committee, comprising representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) and the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, carried out fresh inspections and water quality assessments at multiple locations across the lake.
According to the report, CPCB collected water samples from 15 locations, including lake inlets, outlets and pollution-prone areas. Laboratory analysis found that the samples did not meet prescribed water quality standards for drinking water, outdoor bathing or conventional drinking water sources. Only nine of the 15 sampled locations met the criteria for propagation of wildlife and fisheries (Class D), while six locations failed even those standards because of low dissolved oxygen and elevated ammonia levels.
The Committee identified several major pollution sources, including STPs that are not fully compliant with environmental norms, 58 inhabited hamlets inside Dal Lake comprising about 2,292 households, unconnected sewer networks, 47 houseboats still outside the sewerage network, tourism-related activities, floating gardens, urban runoff and untreated wastewater from settlements in the lake’s catchment.
It also reported that untreated sewage continues to enter Dal Lake through low-lying channels such as Nayadyar, Jogilankar and Saidakadal, besides drains connected through G.D. Goenka. LCMA informed the Committee that Dal Lake receives inflow through four major channels—Tailbal Nallah, Boutkul, Pishpavah and Meerakshah Nallah.
The report noted that of the 617 registered houseboats on Dal Lake, 47 remain disconnected from the sewerage network. Notices have been served directing owners to connect to sewer facilities or install independent sewage disposal systems, including modular STPs.
On conservation measures, the Committee said sewerage infrastructure is being expanded. It noted that modular STPs have been proposed for lake hamlets, while a 30 MLD sewage treatment plant at Gupt Ganga Nishat is under implementation to bridge the gap between sewage generation and treatment. Existing STPs at Laam, Habak and Hazratbal are also planned to be integrated with the new system.
The report further highlighted continuing action against encroachments, stating that LCMA has carried out hundreds of demolitions and registered FIRs against illegal constructions over the past five years. However, it observed that unauthorized construction in the lake area remains a recurring challenge.
Regarding Dal Lake’s extent, the Committee said revenue records indicate the Dal-Nigeen lake system covers 49,432 kanals (about 25 sq km), comprising 27,310 kanals of state land and 22,122 kanals of proprietary land, including 9,430 kanals and 10 marlas of acquired land. It added that a fresh survey by LCMA is required to ascertain the present area of the lake.
The Committee has requested the NGT to take the fresh report on record and issue any further directions deemed necessary for environmental protection and restoration of Dal Lake.
