Srinagar, August 22, 2026: Dr. Touseef Ahmed, a renowned Environmentalist and Chairman Kashmir Concern (Regd. NGO), today called on Mr. M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and apprised him of the rapidly deteriorating condition of Anchar Lake, one of Kashmir’s important water body and a vital ecological asset.
During the meeting, Dr. Touseef Ahmed expressed serious concern over the increasing pollution, encroachment, waste accumulation, shrinking water channels and overall degradation of Anchar Lake. He stressed that the continued deterioration of the lake poses a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem, biodiversity and the communities dependent on the surrounding environment.
Dr. Touseef Ahmed urged the Chairman, House Committee on Environment to take up the matter on priority and ensure coordinated intervention by the concerned departments for the scientific conservation, restoration and protection of Anchar Lake. He also emphasised the need for regular monitoring, removal of encroachments, prevention of sewage and solid-waste discharge, restoration of water channels and greater involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.
Mr. M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised and assured Dr. Touseef Ahmed that all possible measures would be taken to protect and save Anchar Lake. He acknowledged the importance of preserving Kashmir’s wetlands and water bodies and assured that the matter would receive due attention at the appropriate level.
Dr. Touseef Ahmed expressed satisfaction over the assurance and said that Anchar Lake is not merely a water body but an important part of Kashmir’s ecological heritage, and saving it requires urgent, sustained and collective action.
He further stated that Kashmir Concern (Regd. NGO) will continue to work with the government, civil society, experts and local communities for the restoration and protection of Kashmir’s precious water bodies.
