Rafique A. Khan
1835 Apex Ave. Los Angeles
California 90026. USA
DOODPATHER , ANOTHER PAHALGAM LIKE SLUM IN THE MAKING
Doodpather, a series of Alpine meadows in Kashmir near Badgam, are of breathtaking pristine undisturbed natural beauty. Doodpather is being “discovered”. Kashmir government is making it into a tourist resort. The government works projects are underway. Seeing these projects – a rest house, parking lot, and approach roads brought back memories of my childhood visits to Pahalgam in the early 50’s. Pahalgam then was a pristine place; fifty years later, now, it has become a dirt slum like town. The public works underway in Doodpather are seeds of blight that, unless checked, will make Doodpather into another slum like Pahalgam.
Doodpather is series of meadows, I saw three. In the first meadow a government rest house is under construction. The tourist rest house is like a two story “city-house” made of brick. This structure in its building design, the building material used in construction and at its location appears as an unacceptable intrusion in the natural environment. Next to the rest house are ugly water works structures and another government building. These structures dominate the valley and mar the pristine setting of the meadow.
The approach road bisects all three meadows. This road placement may be prudent as an engineering project; it spells disaster for the natural serenity of the place. And then there are the temporary shanty town roadside bazaars in the making in the second and third meadows. A huge parking pad with its massive earthwork is an ugly scare in the second meadow.
The enthused tourism officials understandably are showcasing their projects by placing them at the most prominent locations in the meadows, and, the public works officials are in turn using the most direct and cost effective means for doing the public works. But in a place like Doodpather man made elements - buildings and infrastructure projects- should be subservient to the natural elements of the environment.
The existing road with its shanty bazaars are embroyo of a future slum. Thus Doodpather is headed the way of Pahalgam. To avoid this disaster my submission is that public infrastructure and private development in Doodpather should be done based on a thoughtful redevelopment plan that integrates development with conserving the natural environment where construction works enhance the natural settings.
The natural setting of Doodpather could be enhanced and Doodpather could be made into a destination by a thought full over all redevelopment plan, perhaps along the following lines:
For the third meadow, where the present road ends consider to:
1. Realign the road. Remove the existing road in the middle of the meadow and instead provide a road around the meadow below the forest line skirting the existing Gujjar huts and the Ziyarat. That would leave the central meadow in its natural state.
2. Designate land use zones for the meadow. (a) Below the forest line, designate a meadow preservation zone in the center, where no above ground construction would be permitted. (b) Designate a residential zone for the existing Gujjar settlements with adequate room for their expansion. This zone should have building design regulation to ensure that all construction is compatible with the natural setting. Under the design guidelines modern construction would be permitted; use of building material and building form (shape) would be regulated. (c) Create an institutional use zone for the Ziyarat and adjacent area. The Ziyarat structure should be improved and expanded with appropriate design compatible with the surrounding. (d) Designate a commercial zone at the far end of the meadow. This place may be suitable for a ski run. If the ski run is feasible then suitable development could be planned as part of the ski run.
For the second meadow, this has a small stream.
1. Here also as in the third meadow the existing road should be removed and realigned to skirt the forest line and the meadow.
2. Possibility of creating a water body, a lake or series of water ponds with falls, should be investigated, including building a micro hydral project(s).
3. This meadow could be place to create an iconic structure on the road linking the third and first meadow. This could be a timer frame visitor center building as part and over a timber bridge structure, reminiscent of historic bridges of Kashmir.
4. Along the edge of the water body a hotel with conference facilities and other amenities for a tourist resort of appropriate scale and design could be considered.
5. In this meadow also need is to designate appropriate land use zones and urban design guidelines and regulations.
For the first meadow:
1. First the need is to arrest and reverse the blight created by existing public works. This could be done by relocating and or redesigning the existing and under construction structures. Another alternative may be to surround the structures with mature trees. In other words extend the forest tree line to screen the structures from view.
2. As in the other two meadows, the access route and land use zones and design guidelines need to be put in place. The land uses which may include institutional uses and or private residential could be determined by a market feasibility study.
The overall development of Doodpather needs to have a strategic plan for providing amenities for attracting appropriate tourists. This may include developing scenic tracking routes connecting Doodpather area with other areas of interest for nature lovers. Other alternative could be developing facilities for hosting training and retreats of business travelers and or housing and related recreational facilities for family vacations.
Doodpather is a gift of Mother Nature. It needs to be preserved and enhanced for future generations.
Rafique A. Khan, a Kashmiri-American practicing city planner is based in los Angeles. For feedback:Rafiquekhan@kashmirrelief.org; Rafiquekhan2008@gmail.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
RE: Archeological Survey of India
RAFIQUE A. KHAN
1835 APEX AVE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90026, USA
TELEPHONE 323 662 7686
October 15, 2007
PHONE: 323 662 7686 • FAX: 323 660 5447
September 14, 2008 REMINDER
Director General
Archeological Survey of India
11 Jan Path
New Delhi, INDIA
Dear Director General:
I am aware of the marvelous work that the Archeological Survey of India has done in preservation of historic monuments in India. Thus I was distressed to observe the neglect and resulting slow but sure destruction of monuments of Kashmir that I visited recently. This letter is to report of what I saw and request your immediate attention for corrective measures.
During my stay in Kashmir I visited four monuments under control of Archeological Survey of India : (1) At Harwan, near Srinagar, the site of 4th Buddhist Conference (2) The Naranag Temple at Wangat (3) The Dara Shaku Mosque in Srinagar and (4) King Budshah Tomb in Srinagar.
(1) At Harwan, overlooking the Dal Lake, in a narrow mountain valley is the building complex believed to be the site were the 4th Buddhist congress was held. The antiquities, mostly building walls, are spread over some 10 acres in three terraces. There are foundations of some half a dozed structures of varied sizes, from a four room house and to renaments of buildings with large courtyards of what must have been expansive structures.
The site could be, should be, a pilgrimage and leaning center, a showcase of the Buddhist Culture that flourished in Kashmir for eight centuries. Instead, slowly but surely the antiquities and the ambiance of the sacred place is being destroyed. Within the site and in the surrounding mountain valley are some very ugly intrusive water supply related public utility structures. Nearby a communication tower is being built. These structures obstructing the panoramic view from the site and intrude on the tranquility of the place. The site has no motor able access. The existing pedestrian route is difficult and made more circuitous by a fence with locked gate. It is apparent that there is no archeological investigation work attempted at the site. It was disconcerting to learn that recently antiquities from the site have been removed and taken out of Kashmir by Archeological Department officials.
(2) Naranag is an amazing place. How did this large complex of stone buildings built in terraces on the banks of a river in a remote alpine valley which even now is not easily accessible come about, I wonder. The transportation of enormous stones which must weigh hundreds of tons brought to the area and hauled some forty feet up to build the monumental buildings seems like a marvel at the engineering and artist genius of these builders. To build and run this place, there must have been an enormous organized human presence in the area? Sadly only the decay and blight that surrounds the area is apparent now. A shanty town, base camp for mountain trekking, is in the making around the site. Domestic animals room freely; there is encroachment on public land. Private and public structures of inappropriate materials and shoddy construction abound.
The most disturbing aspect of my visit was seeing these monuments being buried in mud washed by a recent rainfall. Under the stewardship of the archeological survey of India this heritage monument being buried instead of being discovered.
(3) Dara Shaku Mosque Complex at Srinagar. Overlooking the city of Srinagar, the mosque is in midst of a courtyard with surrounding cubicals. Together with the stately Chinar trees and remnants of a water garden this place gives the appearance of having been grand. Here also there is no attempt at the upkeep of the place. Dogs and stray animals roam freely. The place is littered with garbage. The place seems to have become a haven for vagabonds and petty gamblers.
This monument is also terraced. On one side, south-east corner of the mosque in the second terrace, I observed leaking water from a higher terrace seeping into the mosque foundation. Thus endangering the structure.
(4) Budshah Cemetery a Srinagar. On the banks of river Jehlum in the middle of the city the main structure in the cemetery, tomb of Budshahs mother, is one of most recognized monuments of Kashmir. All of the area, some of it under private ownership, is full of weeds. A path recently build in the middle of the cemetery seemed to be out of character with the architectural ambiance of the place. The tomb itself, I was shocked to see, is used for material storage and an improvised kitchen.
My objective for this writing is to help in preserving these and other historic monuments of Kashmir. Based on what I saw and my discussion with knowledgeable people in the area I learned certain disturbing information.
1. It seems that Archeological Survey emphasis in Kashmir is on improvements above ground. There seems to be no attempt at digging for discovery. Instead public works that generate building contact work and associated benefits seemed to get budgeted.
2. Under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India there are some 46 monuments in Kashmir and 5 monuments in Jammu. Yet the office of the J and K State is located in Jammu. The number of employees and their tenure also seemed disproportionate.
I want to share this information with you and would very much appreciate your timely response.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Rafique A. Khan
Rafiquekhan@kashmirrelief.org.
Copy:
Superintendent Archeological Survey of India, 141 AD Greenbelt Park Jammu
World Monuments Fund, 95 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016 (wmf@wmf.org)
Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Greater Kashmir, 6 Partab Park Press Enclave Residency Road Srinagar Kashmir (FAX 2477782) Editor@greaterkashmir.com
1835 APEX AVE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90026, USA
TELEPHONE 323 662 7686
October 15, 2007
PHONE: 323 662 7686 • FAX: 323 660 5447
September 14, 2008 REMINDER
Director General
Archeological Survey of India
11 Jan Path
New Delhi, INDIA
Dear Director General:
I am aware of the marvelous work that the Archeological Survey of India has done in preservation of historic monuments in India. Thus I was distressed to observe the neglect and resulting slow but sure destruction of monuments of Kashmir that I visited recently. This letter is to report of what I saw and request your immediate attention for corrective measures.
During my stay in Kashmir I visited four monuments under control of Archeological Survey of India : (1) At Harwan, near Srinagar, the site of 4th Buddhist Conference (2) The Naranag Temple at Wangat (3) The Dara Shaku Mosque in Srinagar and (4) King Budshah Tomb in Srinagar.
(1) At Harwan, overlooking the Dal Lake, in a narrow mountain valley is the building complex believed to be the site were the 4th Buddhist congress was held. The antiquities, mostly building walls, are spread over some 10 acres in three terraces. There are foundations of some half a dozed structures of varied sizes, from a four room house and to renaments of buildings with large courtyards of what must have been expansive structures.
The site could be, should be, a pilgrimage and leaning center, a showcase of the Buddhist Culture that flourished in Kashmir for eight centuries. Instead, slowly but surely the antiquities and the ambiance of the sacred place is being destroyed. Within the site and in the surrounding mountain valley are some very ugly intrusive water supply related public utility structures. Nearby a communication tower is being built. These structures obstructing the panoramic view from the site and intrude on the tranquility of the place. The site has no motor able access. The existing pedestrian route is difficult and made more circuitous by a fence with locked gate. It is apparent that there is no archeological investigation work attempted at the site. It was disconcerting to learn that recently antiquities from the site have been removed and taken out of Kashmir by Archeological Department officials.
(2) Naranag is an amazing place. How did this large complex of stone buildings built in terraces on the banks of a river in a remote alpine valley which even now is not easily accessible come about, I wonder. The transportation of enormous stones which must weigh hundreds of tons brought to the area and hauled some forty feet up to build the monumental buildings seems like a marvel at the engineering and artist genius of these builders. To build and run this place, there must have been an enormous organized human presence in the area? Sadly only the decay and blight that surrounds the area is apparent now. A shanty town, base camp for mountain trekking, is in the making around the site. Domestic animals room freely; there is encroachment on public land. Private and public structures of inappropriate materials and shoddy construction abound.
The most disturbing aspect of my visit was seeing these monuments being buried in mud washed by a recent rainfall. Under the stewardship of the archeological survey of India this heritage monument being buried instead of being discovered.
(3) Dara Shaku Mosque Complex at Srinagar. Overlooking the city of Srinagar, the mosque is in midst of a courtyard with surrounding cubicals. Together with the stately Chinar trees and remnants of a water garden this place gives the appearance of having been grand. Here also there is no attempt at the upkeep of the place. Dogs and stray animals roam freely. The place is littered with garbage. The place seems to have become a haven for vagabonds and petty gamblers.
This monument is also terraced. On one side, south-east corner of the mosque in the second terrace, I observed leaking water from a higher terrace seeping into the mosque foundation. Thus endangering the structure.
(4) Budshah Cemetery a Srinagar. On the banks of river Jehlum in the middle of the city the main structure in the cemetery, tomb of Budshahs mother, is one of most recognized monuments of Kashmir. All of the area, some of it under private ownership, is full of weeds. A path recently build in the middle of the cemetery seemed to be out of character with the architectural ambiance of the place. The tomb itself, I was shocked to see, is used for material storage and an improvised kitchen.
My objective for this writing is to help in preserving these and other historic monuments of Kashmir. Based on what I saw and my discussion with knowledgeable people in the area I learned certain disturbing information.
1. It seems that Archeological Survey emphasis in Kashmir is on improvements above ground. There seems to be no attempt at digging for discovery. Instead public works that generate building contact work and associated benefits seemed to get budgeted.
2. Under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India there are some 46 monuments in Kashmir and 5 monuments in Jammu. Yet the office of the J and K State is located in Jammu. The number of employees and their tenure also seemed disproportionate.
I want to share this information with you and would very much appreciate your timely response.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Rafique A. Khan
Rafiquekhan@kashmirrelief.org.
Copy:
Superintendent Archeological Survey of India, 141 AD Greenbelt Park Jammu
World Monuments Fund, 95 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016 (wmf@wmf.org)
Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Greater Kashmir, 6 Partab Park Press Enclave Residency Road Srinagar Kashmir (FAX 2477782) Editor@greaterkashmir.com
Friday, August 29, 2008
How to Bring the Dying Dal to Life?
Nund Rish, the patron saint of Kashmir has a saying: Vethe Hokan Tee Hander Grazan, Teli Mali Assi Wander Raj. (Rivers will dry, Drains will roar; Then My Dear will Monkeys Rule). Many of the old fresh waterways of Kashmir are now used as drains and within the urban areas streams serve as sewers. Kashmir’s famous Dal Lake is polluted to the point of being near death as a fresh water body. There is no disagreement on this point. There are differences on who is responsible for causing the pollution and how to check the deterioration. The Lakes and Water Development Authority of Kashmir (LAWDA) is blamed for its inefficient and corrupt practices. The dwellers in and around the lake are also faulted. The water surface area of Dal is shrinking at an alarming rate due to encroachers converting water surface to land. Raw sewage flows into the lake from surrounding habitations, deteriorating the water quality of the Dal. This Dal debate has raged for four decades, at no avail
Case in point is the study of Dal sponsored by the Commonwealth fund. A New Zealand Consultant (Enex Consortium) did a study report on Dal in 1987. Studying this 30-year old report, a copy of a copy with missing parts and illustrations, and reading the Kashmiri official response to the consultant recommendations and learning of the work done during the last thirty years is proof of the sad but pointed prophesy of Nund Rishi.
According to the Enex Study Report, an estimated 5.5 tons of phosphates and 89 tons of nitrogen annually accumulate in the lake. Enex’s finding is that because of the reduction of plant covers on the surrounding hills, soil erosion resulted. Added to this was the increase in agricultural activity in the catchments area and within the Dal Lake itself which added even more nutrients to the water runoff. The nutrients made weed growth prolific. The weeds made water stagnant. The run-off contributed about 70% of the pollution. The direct discharge of sewage from house boats and latrines, a health hazard, contributed about one third of the nutrients. Enex conclusion is that by stopping the nutrients entry into to the lake the water quality of the Dal can be restored.
The Enex report recommended measures to control the use of land within the Dal catchments area, with the goal to reduce the nutrients entering the lake from catchments. In the immediate Dal vicinity proposed measures were to divert sewage and separate and seal off polluted water inflow to the lake from the floating garden areas.
Specific recommendations included:
1. Restore the ground cover in the Dal Lakes catchments area by reforestation and control grazing.
2. Construct a water basin to arrest bulk of the sediment and insoluble nutrients entering the lake from the north side, from Telbal Nalla.
3. Extend the existing Boulevard road to the western side of the lake to define the shoreline of the lake and dredge out the northern end of the lake.
4. Separate the floating garden area from the lake’s open water areas by constructing an earth bund extending from Dal Gate to Nehru Park then to Kotar Khana continuing to the North West towards the Engineering College and Hazratbal. The bund would have locks to allow access but would prevent flow of nutrient rich water from the floating gardens into the lake’s open water areas.
5. Build trunk sewage and electric and water pipes on the proposed bund for connections to house boats.
6. Rearrange the mooring area of the houseboats along the new bund to improve visual appeal and improve water circulation.
The above measures would stop accumulation of nutrients in the lake and over time provide a net loss of nutrients that would in turn curb weed growth and thus improve the water quality. The Enex report provided cost estimates and based on analysis deemed the proposed improvements economically feasibility.
In 1977 the Enex Consortium report was submitted to Kashmir government. The government had a committee of “experts” review the report. Following are summarized committee comments:
1. The “experts” blamed erosion in Dachigam area to the nomadic Banyarees and Dudi Gujares “who carry their cattle and live stocks to the high pastures during the summer months” The committee wanted to fence “all around “ to prevent the entry of the nomads and their cattle into the upper reaches of Dachigam.
2. The Enex proposal was for the settling basin surface area of 150,000sq meters, storage depth of 1.50 meters, to provide a detention time of 20 minutes for a peak flow of 2000 cusecs of water flow. The committee wanted to limit the basin area to 20,000 sq meters and increase the depth to 4.00 meters “ (B)because of the paucity of land.”
3. Enex proposed sewer pipes along the bund, laid “flat” level on the bund and connected to house boats with flexible pipe. The sewer removal would be gained by flushing at regular intervals. The committee comment : “It is felt that pollution of the lake as a result of entry of sewage, surface drainage or storm water from different directions, cannot be regulated unless full-fledged integrated and long term facilities of sewerage and drainage are provided in the city of Srinagar.”
4. The Consultants proposal to build an earthen bund to segregate the clear water areas of the lake from the floating gardens was not deemed acceptable. The committee lamented on forsaking a large portion of the historic water surface of the Dal.
The Enex Consultants in its response doubts practicability and effectiveness of the Committee recommendations.
The floating gardens float no more. The area has very limited free water surface, except in the very shallow – less than 1 meter deep - channels. Enex pointed to the difficulty and cost of disposing of the dredge material, and also the social disruption of large number of displaced families to be accommodated. In addition, the loss of vegetable production from the floating gardens would be difficult to recover from other sources. The question of water quality, pollution and the nutrient balance, was to be the focus of Dal rehabilitation, Enex pointed. The development projects must therefore be to ensure that the nutrients are contained behind an effective barrier and released only near the outlets of the lake, and that the houseboats be confined to areas of easy access near the lake outlet where incidental pollution would be swept out of the lake.
Arguments of the “expert” Committee seem like utterance of arrogance of power and ignorance of the powerful. How else can one explain the Committee recommendation to fence “all around” the Dachigam catchments area, with no regard to the nomads who eka a livelihood grazing their cattle. How else do you explain arguments rejecting economically and physically viable suggestions for a sewer that would provide for sanitation of the house boat area of Dal Lake, and, instead insist on an impossible “full fledged integrated” sewage and drainage system for all of Srinagar City. The Committee wanted to convert all of Srinagar, a city with medieval infrastructure – there is no sewerage in the city anywhere – into a modern metropolis in one instant, no matter the cost or consequences. And then how do you explain on one hand arguing “paucity” of land for creating an adequate size settlement basin for trapping the nutrient rich eroded soil and on the other hand ask to “eliminate” the most productive agricultural land in Kashmir and a community that cultivates the land. The floating gardens of Dal provide four vegetable crops a year, and the humus soil of floating gardens is ten times more productive than regular soil. There is “paucity” of such land in Kashmir.
Dal Lake is a shallow depth - generally averaging two meters – water body surrounded one side by terraced gentle slopes at the base of mountains which rise up to 1000m above the lake level. The Dal Lake catchments area about 300 square kilometers is fed by springs in the lake bed and streams around the shoreline. Telbal Nulla which drains the large valley, Dachigam, enters the lake from the northern end. From the south side Dal is part of series of water bodies including Nagin and Anchar Lakes and River Jehlum. River Jehlum drains Srinagar City, spread for the most part on the south end of lake. Srinagar city itself could be considered as a city made of islands. Dal waters out flow to join Jehlum at Dal Gate, at the south–west corner into channel at Chinar Bagh. On the north side via Nagin Lake and a canal Nalla Amir Khan Nalla Dal flows into Anchar Lake.
The Dal itself is separated into three sub lakes, Hazratbal, Bod Dal and Gagribal by man made bunds. Nagin Lake is separated from Dal by a narrow strip of land and a causeway which has been bridged.
The Enex proposal to separate the clear water area from the agricultural area by a bund is an effective means of arresting the future deteriorating of the lake. The bund will have a place to provide sewer. And thus handle one of the main factors contributing to the pollution of the lake from the pressure of human settlement along its shores and within the lake basin.
As the Enex study concluded, the key factor of the present state of Dal Lake is the continuing deposition of nutrients in the sediments. Thus the management of the Lake’s catchments area is essential. Extensive tree cover in the forest in the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, and the planting of more gardens and bush lands would create a natural environment that would help improve quality of the lake water.
Among the official circles of Kashmir the focus is on encroachments. Illegal encroachments rightly are a legitimate concern; encroachments are a legal matter to be dealt in the courts. However, it is evident from the Enex recommendation that the general elimination of encroachments has little bearing and continued deteriorations of Dal. The Enex proposal for the bund is a rational means of making the present floating gardens area into an improved asset. The proposed earthen bund would itself add a unique esthetic element to the Dal landscape, complimenting the Boulevard along the north shore of Dal.
Building on the Enex proposal imagine the earthen bund, as pedestrian promenade with restricted vehicular entry, along the southern shore of Dal waters from Dalgate to Hazratbal, complimenting the boulevard on the north shore. Imagine this bund lined with weeping willow, cherry and almond trees. Imagine the houseboats clusters around lotus gardens on one side of the bund; and on the other side more lotus gardens as a foreground for a flourishing Malyari community among gardens of vegetable and flower crops.
There is a information gap between the Dal dwellers and the concerned governmental agency, each blaming the other while conditions continue to worsen. It is essential to bridge the gap and reestoration of the Dal Lake is possible only if the Dal dwellers are involved in the planning and improvement process.
Proposals that focus attention to identify issues that need to be resolved and then give measurable program steps to resolve these issues and show progress on the ground: actual improvement in the Dal Lake environment.
There is obviously more than one way of addressing issues. I have myself spent a life time working on revitalizing blighted areas for the most part in under served communities. I believe your effort needs to be cast in a systematic manner to give the residents of the area and the government agencies a recognizable joint working arrangement to address issues in a cooperative manner.
I suggest the following seven step process:
(1) Identify the Dal lake impact area. Mountain ridge line (water catchments area of the lake) may be a good starting point.
(2) Summarize studies done to date, identify findings and recommendations including similarities and disagreements.
(3) Identify existing stake holder groups including stakeholder physical boundaries (Mohallas) within the impact area.
(4) Organize stakeholder meetings at two levels. At local area level and then at impact area wide level.
(5) Hold open public stake holder meetings with a two part agenda, part one providing information summarized under task 2 and part two collect public input to ascertain community perceived issues.
(6) As follow up of task 5 (part two) identify immediate action tasks to improve the lake environment (cleanup , removing blighting influences)
(7) Based on work done under task 1 through 5, develop a community consensus program for immediate implementation and a long range program.
(8) Hold periodic public meetings repeating tasks 4, 5 and 6.
Rafique A. Khan
Rafique A. Khan is Kashmiri-American City Planner from Los Angeles. Email:Rafiquekhan@kashmirrelief.org
RK June 20, 2008
Case in point is the study of Dal sponsored by the Commonwealth fund. A New Zealand Consultant (Enex Consortium) did a study report on Dal in 1987. Studying this 30-year old report, a copy of a copy with missing parts and illustrations, and reading the Kashmiri official response to the consultant recommendations and learning of the work done during the last thirty years is proof of the sad but pointed prophesy of Nund Rishi.
According to the Enex Study Report, an estimated 5.5 tons of phosphates and 89 tons of nitrogen annually accumulate in the lake. Enex’s finding is that because of the reduction of plant covers on the surrounding hills, soil erosion resulted. Added to this was the increase in agricultural activity in the catchments area and within the Dal Lake itself which added even more nutrients to the water runoff. The nutrients made weed growth prolific. The weeds made water stagnant. The run-off contributed about 70% of the pollution. The direct discharge of sewage from house boats and latrines, a health hazard, contributed about one third of the nutrients. Enex conclusion is that by stopping the nutrients entry into to the lake the water quality of the Dal can be restored.
The Enex report recommended measures to control the use of land within the Dal catchments area, with the goal to reduce the nutrients entering the lake from catchments. In the immediate Dal vicinity proposed measures were to divert sewage and separate and seal off polluted water inflow to the lake from the floating garden areas.
Specific recommendations included:
1. Restore the ground cover in the Dal Lakes catchments area by reforestation and control grazing.
2. Construct a water basin to arrest bulk of the sediment and insoluble nutrients entering the lake from the north side, from Telbal Nalla.
3. Extend the existing Boulevard road to the western side of the lake to define the shoreline of the lake and dredge out the northern end of the lake.
4. Separate the floating garden area from the lake’s open water areas by constructing an earth bund extending from Dal Gate to Nehru Park then to Kotar Khana continuing to the North West towards the Engineering College and Hazratbal. The bund would have locks to allow access but would prevent flow of nutrient rich water from the floating gardens into the lake’s open water areas.
5. Build trunk sewage and electric and water pipes on the proposed bund for connections to house boats.
6. Rearrange the mooring area of the houseboats along the new bund to improve visual appeal and improve water circulation.
The above measures would stop accumulation of nutrients in the lake and over time provide a net loss of nutrients that would in turn curb weed growth and thus improve the water quality. The Enex report provided cost estimates and based on analysis deemed the proposed improvements economically feasibility.
In 1977 the Enex Consortium report was submitted to Kashmir government. The government had a committee of “experts” review the report. Following are summarized committee comments:
1. The “experts” blamed erosion in Dachigam area to the nomadic Banyarees and Dudi Gujares “who carry their cattle and live stocks to the high pastures during the summer months” The committee wanted to fence “all around “ to prevent the entry of the nomads and their cattle into the upper reaches of Dachigam.
2. The Enex proposal was for the settling basin surface area of 150,000sq meters, storage depth of 1.50 meters, to provide a detention time of 20 minutes for a peak flow of 2000 cusecs of water flow. The committee wanted to limit the basin area to 20,000 sq meters and increase the depth to 4.00 meters “ (B)because of the paucity of land.”
3. Enex proposed sewer pipes along the bund, laid “flat” level on the bund and connected to house boats with flexible pipe. The sewer removal would be gained by flushing at regular intervals. The committee comment : “It is felt that pollution of the lake as a result of entry of sewage, surface drainage or storm water from different directions, cannot be regulated unless full-fledged integrated and long term facilities of sewerage and drainage are provided in the city of Srinagar.”
4. The Consultants proposal to build an earthen bund to segregate the clear water areas of the lake from the floating gardens was not deemed acceptable. The committee lamented on forsaking a large portion of the historic water surface of the Dal.
The Enex Consultants in its response doubts practicability and effectiveness of the Committee recommendations.
The floating gardens float no more. The area has very limited free water surface, except in the very shallow – less than 1 meter deep - channels. Enex pointed to the difficulty and cost of disposing of the dredge material, and also the social disruption of large number of displaced families to be accommodated. In addition, the loss of vegetable production from the floating gardens would be difficult to recover from other sources. The question of water quality, pollution and the nutrient balance, was to be the focus of Dal rehabilitation, Enex pointed. The development projects must therefore be to ensure that the nutrients are contained behind an effective barrier and released only near the outlets of the lake, and that the houseboats be confined to areas of easy access near the lake outlet where incidental pollution would be swept out of the lake.
Arguments of the “expert” Committee seem like utterance of arrogance of power and ignorance of the powerful. How else can one explain the Committee recommendation to fence “all around” the Dachigam catchments area, with no regard to the nomads who eka a livelihood grazing their cattle. How else do you explain arguments rejecting economically and physically viable suggestions for a sewer that would provide for sanitation of the house boat area of Dal Lake, and, instead insist on an impossible “full fledged integrated” sewage and drainage system for all of Srinagar City. The Committee wanted to convert all of Srinagar, a city with medieval infrastructure – there is no sewerage in the city anywhere – into a modern metropolis in one instant, no matter the cost or consequences. And then how do you explain on one hand arguing “paucity” of land for creating an adequate size settlement basin for trapping the nutrient rich eroded soil and on the other hand ask to “eliminate” the most productive agricultural land in Kashmir and a community that cultivates the land. The floating gardens of Dal provide four vegetable crops a year, and the humus soil of floating gardens is ten times more productive than regular soil. There is “paucity” of such land in Kashmir.
Dal Lake is a shallow depth - generally averaging two meters – water body surrounded one side by terraced gentle slopes at the base of mountains which rise up to 1000m above the lake level. The Dal Lake catchments area about 300 square kilometers is fed by springs in the lake bed and streams around the shoreline. Telbal Nulla which drains the large valley, Dachigam, enters the lake from the northern end. From the south side Dal is part of series of water bodies including Nagin and Anchar Lakes and River Jehlum. River Jehlum drains Srinagar City, spread for the most part on the south end of lake. Srinagar city itself could be considered as a city made of islands. Dal waters out flow to join Jehlum at Dal Gate, at the south–west corner into channel at Chinar Bagh. On the north side via Nagin Lake and a canal Nalla Amir Khan Nalla Dal flows into Anchar Lake.
The Dal itself is separated into three sub lakes, Hazratbal, Bod Dal and Gagribal by man made bunds. Nagin Lake is separated from Dal by a narrow strip of land and a causeway which has been bridged.
The Enex proposal to separate the clear water area from the agricultural area by a bund is an effective means of arresting the future deteriorating of the lake. The bund will have a place to provide sewer. And thus handle one of the main factors contributing to the pollution of the lake from the pressure of human settlement along its shores and within the lake basin.
As the Enex study concluded, the key factor of the present state of Dal Lake is the continuing deposition of nutrients in the sediments. Thus the management of the Lake’s catchments area is essential. Extensive tree cover in the forest in the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, and the planting of more gardens and bush lands would create a natural environment that would help improve quality of the lake water.
Among the official circles of Kashmir the focus is on encroachments. Illegal encroachments rightly are a legitimate concern; encroachments are a legal matter to be dealt in the courts. However, it is evident from the Enex recommendation that the general elimination of encroachments has little bearing and continued deteriorations of Dal. The Enex proposal for the bund is a rational means of making the present floating gardens area into an improved asset. The proposed earthen bund would itself add a unique esthetic element to the Dal landscape, complimenting the Boulevard along the north shore of Dal.
Building on the Enex proposal imagine the earthen bund, as pedestrian promenade with restricted vehicular entry, along the southern shore of Dal waters from Dalgate to Hazratbal, complimenting the boulevard on the north shore. Imagine this bund lined with weeping willow, cherry and almond trees. Imagine the houseboats clusters around lotus gardens on one side of the bund; and on the other side more lotus gardens as a foreground for a flourishing Malyari community among gardens of vegetable and flower crops.
There is a information gap between the Dal dwellers and the concerned governmental agency, each blaming the other while conditions continue to worsen. It is essential to bridge the gap and reestoration of the Dal Lake is possible only if the Dal dwellers are involved in the planning and improvement process.
Proposals that focus attention to identify issues that need to be resolved and then give measurable program steps to resolve these issues and show progress on the ground: actual improvement in the Dal Lake environment.
There is obviously more than one way of addressing issues. I have myself spent a life time working on revitalizing blighted areas for the most part in under served communities. I believe your effort needs to be cast in a systematic manner to give the residents of the area and the government agencies a recognizable joint working arrangement to address issues in a cooperative manner.
I suggest the following seven step process:
(1) Identify the Dal lake impact area. Mountain ridge line (water catchments area of the lake) may be a good starting point.
(2) Summarize studies done to date, identify findings and recommendations including similarities and disagreements.
(3) Identify existing stake holder groups including stakeholder physical boundaries (Mohallas) within the impact area.
(4) Organize stakeholder meetings at two levels. At local area level and then at impact area wide level.
(5) Hold open public stake holder meetings with a two part agenda, part one providing information summarized under task 2 and part two collect public input to ascertain community perceived issues.
(6) As follow up of task 5 (part two) identify immediate action tasks to improve the lake environment (cleanup , removing blighting influences)
(7) Based on work done under task 1 through 5, develop a community consensus program for immediate implementation and a long range program.
(8) Hold periodic public meetings repeating tasks 4, 5 and 6.
Rafique A. Khan
Rafique A. Khan is Kashmiri-American City Planner from Los Angeles. Email:Rafiquekhan@kashmirrelief.org
RK June 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Natural Order
Clouds, wind ,moon, sun, heavens,
All are busy that thou might acquire
A bit of bread, and eat it in remembrance
For thy sake all creation dashes about
Obeying orders - is it right then
That only thou should disobey?
Saadi (13th Cent)
All are busy that thou might acquire
A bit of bread, and eat it in remembrance
For thy sake all creation dashes about
Obeying orders - is it right then
That only thou should disobey?
Saadi (13th Cent)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Starting my Blog
I am a Kashmiri-American. City Planner
Following are some of my favorites:
You cannot remedy anything by condeming it
Following are some of my favorites:
You cannot remedy anything by condeming it
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