Ganderbal, Sept 14: Block Development Officer (BDO) Gund, Sheikh Arif (JKAS), along with his team, launched a massive cleanliness drive at Vishansar Lake in Sonamarg. The move, the officer said, is aimed at preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The drive was carried out in and around the high-altitude Vishansar area to make the lake garbage and pollution-free.

Vishansar is an alpine oligotrophic lake situated at an elevation of 3,710 meters, measuring nearly one kilometre in length and 0.6 kilometres in width.

BDO Arif said the campaign was part of sustained efforts to protect the pristine beauty of the Great Lakes. "We are committed to keeping these natural treasures free from plastic and other pollutants. Today's drive was a step to ensure that Vishansar remains unspoiled for future generations," he said.

The cleanliness initiative comes in the backdrop of last year's Rising Kashmir report on plastic pollution threatening Kashmir's Great Lakes, including Vishansar, which prompted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to take suo motu cognisance.

On March 20, 2025, the NGT, while hearing Original Application No. 1070/2024, noted rising concerns over plastic littering along the Great Lakes trek routes. Reports by the J&K Pollution Control Committee had highlighted waste accumulation near trek starting points. Following this, the Tribunal impleaded BDO Gund, BDO Kangan, and the Sonamarg Development Authority as respondents, directing them to take remedial measures.

Locals and trekkers also welcomed the initiative. The lakes are the crown jewels of Sonamarg. It is our duty to protect them, and such drives send a strong message said Zahoor Ahmad, a local trek guide.