Floating barricades around Jammu lake to protect birds

Jammu, Nov 27 (IANS) The wildlife department in Jammu and Kashmir will lay floating barricades around Surinsar lake to protect migratory birds, a minister said here Friday.

�This is aimed at preserving the sensitive ecosystem of Surinsar lake,� said state Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora.         
Surinsar lake, about 40 km north of Jammu, is one of the tourist attractions in the region. It is considered a sister lake of the bigger Mansar lake, about 60 km from here.         
The tourism ministry has also set up Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority (MSDA), to develop infrastructure in the areas adjoining the lakes.         
Jora said the construction of view decks and fencing around the lake will be done by the wildlife department, as the land comes under it.         
Jora said that the state government has earmarked Rs.20 crore for undertaking development works by the MSDA.          
The tourism department has also made a comprehensive plan to de-weed the lake, he said.         
A proposal to consider the viability of operating boats in the lake for pleasure rides  was also considered in the minister's meeting with state officials. The move is expected to generate employment and give a fillip to the economy of the region.