• To combat the increasing pollution and rejuvenate Dal Lake, a unique initiative known as ‘Athwas’ has been launched by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
• ‘Athwas’ is a unique partnership between citizens and authorities for the rejuvenation of Lake. It involves community participation.
• Under the initiative, the de-weeding and dredging will be conducted in collaboration with the citizens.

About Dal:

• It was known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.
• The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
• The lake is located in the Zabarwan mountain valley, in the foothills of the Shankracharya hills, which surround it on three sides.
• The lake has four main interconnected basins namely, Hazratbal, Bod dal, Gagribal and Nagin.
• The floating gardens here, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.