Terming lakes and rivers as the lifeline of people, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said it’s the collective responsibility of all to preserve the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing Swachhta drive organized under Sewa Parv at SKICC on the bank of Dal Lake here, LG Sinha said, “The existence of the Dal Lake is important for us and the future generations.”LG Sinha said that it is not only the duty of LCMA, SMC and other agencies but of every citizen to keep water resources clean.

Referring to the recent natural challenges faced by the Union Territory, LG Sinha said people have realized the true value of water resources. “We must learn to live in harmony with nature and restore our water bodies to their original form,” he said.

The Lt Governor informed that in the ongoing conservation efforts, nearly one-third of Dal Lake, covering 6.5 km, has been made weed-free and several projects completed. He credited the people of Kashmir, LCMA and other agencies for visible improvement in the lake’s condition.

He said all houseboats have been connected with the SWIC programme and a new Dal-Nigeen Eco Project is in the pipeline, which will give a boost to tourism.

LG Sinha appreciated the sanitation workers for their role and said both cities and villages are experiencing ease of living through such initiatives. “A garbage-free city and village should not just remain a dream. Every citizen must devote a few hours of service and pledge not to litter,” he said.

The Lt Governor also called upon officials and administrators to speed up the ongoing programmes. “True development is incomplete without environmental protection.

We must build awareness for future generations to preserve rivers and lakes as symbols of reverence and culture,” he added—(KNO)