Srinagar

The Dal Lake, a popular tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir, is all set to get a facelift and breathe again as authorities appear determined this time to remove the weeds engulfing a large part of the lake.

For the first time in several years, the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) has pressed into service over two dozen machines to remove the weeds.

"There are two types of weeds. One is being controlled due to the presence of some species and the other is being removed completely," said LCMA Vice-Chairman Bashir Ahmad Bhat.

Bhat said the weeds being removed completely had covered an area of 6.5 sq km and this process is likely to be complete by November this year.

"In the past two years, we have been able to press over 32 machines for de-weeding while as nearly as 500-600 men have been engaged and pressed into service to clean the water body," he said.

To control the sewerage, the houseboats for the first time are being connected with the sewer line.

"Around 920 houseboats will be connected with sewerage lines. We have so far connected 84 houseboats from western shore with it and the remaining will be connected by November this year," he added.

In order to beautify the famous Dal Lake further, several government agencies are ready to share their bid in decorating the water body.

Among the projects taken up by Smarty City, include the Shalimar canal and a cycling track on Nishat Sahthoo.

To make Dal Lake more beautiful, six fountains will also be installed.

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The entire process will be completed by the end of 2022.