Jammu and Kashmir gets 3.5-billion rupee grant for Dal Lake dwellers

Srinagar, Feb 8 (ANI): The Central Government has approved a 3.5 billion rupee grant to rehabilitate residents living in and around the Dal Lake in Srinagar.

The funds will also be used to clear pollution and garbage in and around the lake, which is regarded as one of the state's prime tourist attractions.

Vice Chairman of the Kashmir's Lakes and Waterways Development Authority Irfan Yaseen praised the central government's decision to approve the grant.

"With the sanction of this particular project, the flexibility for rehabilitation would be more. That means the project is now having sufficient financial flexibility to pay for the compensation for the structures and the land that is being acquired inside the lake. So, it should now be possible for the lake dwellers to get their compensation," said Yaseen.

Srinagar residents said they were delighted by the announcement, and added that rehabilitation of the area would in turn attract more tourists.

The Dal Lake, is known as the 'Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir'. It is the second largest lake in the state and serves as a lifeline for Kashmir's tourism industry.

The lake is also an important source of income for other sectors such as fishing and water-plant harvesting. (ANI)