Associated News Bureau

Human Chain Across Dal Lake Sends Strong ‘Save Dal, Save Kashmir’ Message on World Cleanup Day

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 20: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, the Rotary Club of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), SDRF and various civil society organisations, observed World Cleanup Day by forming a massive human chain along Dal Lake, highlighting the need for collective efforts to protect and conserve Kashmir’s water bodies. Students, Rotarians, volunteers and members of the local community participated in the initiative. The event brought together representatives of Green Valley Educational Institute, Paramount High School, Team Red, Kashmir Concern, Buchwara Mohalla Committee and PSAJK, with support from the civil and police administration. The human chain symbolised collective responsibility towards safeguarding Kashmir’s fragile water resources. Organisers said the initiative marked the first occasion in Kashmir when such a large human chain was formed along Dal Lake to observe World Cleanup Day. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest M.Y. Tarigami, MLA and Chairman of the Environmental Committee on Legislation, said the initiative conveyed a message beyond the symbolic formation of a human chain. “This is not only a human chain; it is a human responsibility to save our water bodies. Dal Lake belongs to all of us, and its protection requires collective commitment from the government, institutions and society,” he said. Guest of Honour Ajaz Bhat, SSP Traffic, appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of public participation and environmental awareness in addressing challenges facing Kashmir’s water bodies. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students, volunteers, Rotarians and community members. The involvement of students was particularly highlighted as an important step towards nurturing an environmentally conscious generation committed to protecting Kashmir’s lakes, rivers and wetlands. The organisers expressed gratitude to the SMC, SDRF, civil and police administration, educational institutions, NGOs, community organisations and volunteers for their support. The event was supported by Athwass Retail. Rotary Club of Kashmir said the human chain was intended not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a public pledge to protect Dal Lake and other water bodies from pollution, encroachment and irresponsible waste disposal. “Save Dal, Save Kashmir” remained the central message of the initiative, said Rotary Club of Kashmir President Dr Touseef Bhatt.