The whole world is getting ready to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, and so is Mansar Lake, with its zero pollution event.
District Administration Udhampur, Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA), and Wildlife Department have come together to host zero pollution event on Gandhi Jayanti, primarily including Lake Walk, sanitation drive, and interactions with local stakeholders.
Also, a group of over 40 bikers, 300-400 Ladakhi students, bloggers, and video bloggers, amongst others, will be a part of the event, who will help in spreading the message of cleanliness and eco-friendly practices.
“The event titled ‘Swach Sarovar, Apka Mansar’ is a clubbed event. Udhampur Administration in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism Jammu and Wildlife Department, is organizing this event under Swachh Bharat Mission. The event also marks the ongoing Wildlife Week, Fit India Movement and Paryatan Parv,” says Piyush Singla, DC Udhampur.
“To remain pollution free, we will use battery buses, battery cars, doona-pattals, bio-degradable wooden boards and hoardings. JKSRTC’s electric bus will ferry the participants from Jammu to Mansar for the occasion,” mentions Nagendra Singh Jamwal, CEO, SMDA.
Giving the details about the sanitation drive, SMDA CEO says, “The sanitation drive will be launched in and around the lake. Over a dozen boats will be used for collecting and removing any floating plastics, or debris from the lake.”
Further, an Eco Club will be formed at Government Higher Secondary School Mansar, to make students aware of their role in achieving the goal of protecting the environment.
Mansar Lake, a Ramsar site, is situated in Udhampur district and is one of the largest Fresh Water lakes in the Shivalik range. It finds its name in the list of one of the biggest wetlands of India, as well.
Ladakhi students to hold 35th Educational tour at Mansar
Scores of Ladakhi students will mark the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary by organising a picnic-cum-educational tour at Manasar Lake.
This is the 35th consecutive educational tour by Ladakhi students, which will be organized under the banner of All Ladakh Student Association Jammu (ALSAJ)
“For over three decades, we have been organizing a picnic cum educational tour at Mansar on 2nd October. This year, it will be our 35th such picnic,” says Rinchan Namgyal, Vice President, ALSAJ.
“For over 300 Ladakhis studying in various schools and colleges across Jammu, it is a day to unite and celebrate their cultural identity,” he adds.
The students get to display their talent in traditional dancing competitions, which are adjudged by senior artists or members of the community. Later in the day, students indulge in various games such as tambola, lottery, singing etc. apart from breakfast, lunch and evening snacks, all of which is managed through fundraising.
On being asked why Mansar as a venue, Rinchan replies, “It is a beautiful and holy lake, attracting us like a magnet year after year. It is a feasible tourist site which can be visited and returned from in a day, besides being a perfect place for relaxing in the lap of nature. Moreover, SMDA authorities have become very supportive recently, especially with Nagendra Singh Jamwal as CEO.”
He mentions, “This year, we are being provided with a cottage for carrying out our activities. It is a relief, certainly for female members.”
Last year, the association took the more than 600 Ladakhi students to Surinsar, but this year, they are back to picnicking at Mansar.
Jamwal says he is obliged to host them. “It is a part of initiatives taken to create awareness about the picturesque site and promote tourism here,” he adds.
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In Mansar lake, zero pollution event to mark Gandhi Jayanti
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