In the centenary year of world Youth Hostelling Federation, Youth Hostel Associations of India (YHAI) has stepped forward to volunteer to save the shrinking Dal Lake. They recently organized a meeting among those associated with Dal to discuss alternate ways of saving the Lake.

“I am hopeful that Dal Lake can be saved by raising the public consciousness and by serious efforts. I am sure that our efforts can help save Dal,” says Shafi Pandit, National President of the YHAI and chairman state Public Service Commission. Pandit is one of the earliest and most respected bureaucrats in the valley.

Pandit, as national president of YHAI had earlier sent an application to the J-K High court which appreciated their concern over disposal of human excreta into the lake and later the court directed LAWDA authorities to contact him for further suggestions. Pandit then arranged meeting between Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) officials, stake holders, Shikara owners and various citizen groups associated with Dal Lake.

“We discussed in detail the prospects of saving the Dal and all the stake holders have given a commitment that they will work in the direction,” says Pandit. “The response was unexpectedly positive from all those who attended the meeting and we think that it is a good beginning.”

YHAI also arranged a meeting between LAWDA officials and Sulabh International Social Service Organisation in Delhi. In July, the volunteers of YHAI also celebrating its 60th year will come to the valley on a ‘clean Dal’ campaign as part of its ‘Save Environment Programme’.

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