Multi-functional drudging machines to be used for cleaning Dal

The Rupees eight crore multi-functional machines can venture into such areas of the water body where no other self-propelled device has been able to enter, Lakes and waterways development authority (LAWDA) officials said.

The machines, known for their low maintenance and high success rate in conservation of lakes in many countries, could both be used as suction dredgers and floating excavators simultaneously.

"The lake which is epitome of beauty of Kashmir since times immemorial and has attained world fame as a favourite tourism destination shall be given full attention by the government so that its past glory is revived," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while launching the dredgers on Saturday.

Omar said a multi-pronged approach is being executed for conservation of the lake. Apart from carrying dredging and removal of weeds and land mass in the Dal, sewerage treatment plants are under construction to ensure treatment of the sewerage from the catchment areas of the lake.