Studies on Conservation Efforts of Dal Lake, Kashmir, and Management of Its Aquatic Macrophytic Species

The present studies was carried out regarding the efficiency of fluidized aerated bed (FAB) based sewage treatment plants to determine the water chemistry of Dal Lake in Kashmir, as well as the fluctuations in the physico-chemical parameters of the lake's water. The lake's water chemistry varied to a lesser extent from one basin to the next. Water samples have been collected almost every fortnightly from all the three sewage treatment plants (Stp?s.) of Habbak, Laam and Hazratbal and were carried to Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) laboratory for detailed analysis. While there has been some improvement in water quality due to the development of sewage treatment facilities, the quality of water at some sites continues to deteriorate. According to the current study, increased phosphorus concentrations and the appropriate P/N ratio will have a significant impact on the primary production and structure of plankton communities and aquatic macrophytes in various regions of the lake, resulting in a deterioration of water quality. A general survey was carried out randomly on all the four sites of Dal and Nigeen lakes (Hazratbal, Nigeen basin, Nehru Park and Nishat basin). During survey different weeds were collected and photograph of each weed was taken out separately along with the growing habitat. Macrophytes, submerged macrophytes, floating macrophytes, and phytoplankton abound in Dal Lake's environment. The lake is known for its lotus blooms (Nelumbonucifera), which bloom in July and August. Ceratophyllumdemersum (which grows all year), Typhaangustata, Potamegtoncrispus, and Nymphae sp. have all been documented to grow prolifically in eutrophic zones. The knowledge about the current and the potential uses of these weedy species was gained from the local Hanji?s and farmers inhabiting in and around the banks of Dal Lake. The frequency distribution of these weeds was observed on monthly basis. A general survey was carried out on the restoration and conservation processes and photographs of different works like manual de-weeding, harvester de-weeding encroachment, rehabilitation and resettlement, anthropogenic activities, spring restoration and bunding of Dal catchment to stop soil erosion and increase water infiltration was taken. Pictures of rehabilated colony of Dal dwellers? were also taken at Rakh-i-ArthBemina.