Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), Mar.12 (ANI): Authorities in Kashmir are taking steps to restore the glory of the famous Mansabal Lake by building a four-kilometer-long see through fence to regulate the movement of tourists, restrict cattle movement and reduce pollution.
Manasbal Lake is located in the Jhelum Valley, north of Srinagar city. The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar.
The lake is encircled by three villages-Jarokbal, Kondabal and Ganderbal.
The Mughal garden, called the Garoka or Jharoka, (meaning bay window) was built by Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir, and it overlooks the lake.
The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of aquatic birds in Kashmir and goes by the sobriquet of "Supreme Gem of all Kashmir Lakes".
"Mansabal Lake is a popular tourist destination which lies 30 kilometers from Srinagar. It is a beautiful lake in which the water stays clean and has a depth of 13 to 15 metres. The area of the lake is four-and-a-half kilometers," said Shahjahan Peer, a resident of the area.
"The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken many steps to ensure the development of the area to make it a nice, beautiful and lovely tourist destination," he added.
The Manasbal Lake and areas surrounding it have faced the ravages of pollution.
Local residents living in the area hope the new fencing will preserve the environment around the Manasbal Lake.
"This (fencing) will help us greatly, as this will prevent dogs, cows and other animals from entering the area. There will be two main gates from where people can enter the lake, and the beauty of Manasbal will also improve. People will now have to purchase tckets to see the lake. This will ensure that the place does not get overcrowded," said Jawahar Ahmad, a local resident.
Plans are also afoot to widen roads leading upto the famous lake to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
The Manasbal Development Authority is spending over Rs. 31 lakhs on renovation and construction work.
The authorities said the restoration project would be completed soon and be ready well before the forthcoming tourist season. (ANI)
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