A lake, once buzzing with tourists, in Srinagar was dying a slow death due to apathy of the provincial authorities.
The Anchar Lake is now on the verge of extinction due to encroachment, pollution and illegal constructions.
The famous lake was once connected to the famed Dal Lake and was a tourist attraction. However, discharge of untreated effluents has contaminated its waters.
A resident, Shabir Ahmad, said that the water, which once was potable, is now not even fit for bathing.
"Earlier, people used to drink water from this lake. Now, one can't even bathe in it. It is so polluted. Earlier tourists used to come here after visiting Dal lake, now they have stopped coming here," said Ahmad.
Meanwhile, District Development Commissioner of Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Shah, said that they were taking possible steps to make it encroachment-free.
"Not many constructions have come up here. We were getting complaints about it. Earlier, we immediately took action, now nobody can encroach upon it. But these need to be preserved," said Shah.
Shah added that the valley was known for its water bodies and mountains and it was the responsibility of not only the administration but locals also to preserve them.
