After Order to Divert Water, LCMA Assures Dal Lake Levels Under Control

SRINAGAR: As panic spread in Srinagar following an official order about diverting excess water into Dal Lake, the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) on Wednesday clarified that the situation remains under control.

Vice Chairman LCMA said the lake is presently flowing at 10.5 feet against its full capacity of 12 feet. “In case water is diverted towards Dal, it will be a controlled thing,” he said.

The clarification came after residents feared that releasing water into Dal could cause a sudden surge in levels and worsen flooding in surrounding areas. Officials stressed that Dal Lake has the capacity to absorb additional inflow without posing an immediate risk.

Earlier CM Omar Abdullah nullified the rumours by posting on X, “Dal Gates have not been opened, Kandizaal bund has not been breached or broken. The Jehlum is climbing but at a much slower rate than was feared. The administration is not going to lower its guard, we continue to monitor the situation very closely but at the same time we appeal to people not to believe rumours that are being spread unnecessarily.”

Authorities have urged people to remain calm and follow official advisories, assuring that all measures are being taken to manage the situation and minimise risks.

He said that the diversion is unlikely to happen as Sangam has already started receding and gradually it will decrease at other gauges too.