Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has expressed concern over condition of Anchar, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes here and asked the state government to take measures for conservation of these water bodies. Water bodies in Srinagar like Anchar, Khushalsar, Gilsar are in deteriorated condition and need immediate intervention, the ministry states in a communique to state government. Based on the pre-feasibility report submitted for management of Anchar, Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes, the state government was informed to submit an integrated sewerage plan for the entire Srinagar city, as pollution from untreated sewer is a major factor for deterioration of these water bodies, it adds. The union ministry in its communiqué states that central government provides financial assistance in which the state government has to contribute its own share from the conservation of water bodies. The ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely, National Plan for Conservation Aquatic Eco systems for conservation and management of identified wetlands in the country on cost sharing basis between central government and state government. The scheme covers various activities such as interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater, shoreline protection, lake front development, in-situ cleaning i.e. desilting and deweeding, storm water management, bioremediation, catchment area treatment, lake beautification, survey & demarcation, biofencing, fisheries development, weed control, biodiversity conservation, education and awareness creation, community participation, etc. A senior government official however said that the state government has not shown seriousness in conservation of these water bodies. First step is to stop illegally constructions and development of housing colonies being established by land-filing Anchar, Khushalsar and Gilsar. Though under National Plan for conservation of water bodies funds are available but for that state government and authorities need to do ground work which is stop further encroachments and prevent sewerage inflow into these water bodies. Gilsar and Khushalsar are two interconnected lakes which receive waters from Dal lake and gradually flows into Aanchar. Nestled between Hawal and Zadibal areas, these lakes till few decades ago were one of the major tourist attractions and bird watching sites. However in absence of conservation measures, these water bodies have been marred by encroachments and siltation. To mention a study carried by the Department of Earth Science Kashmir University reveals that Khushalsar and Gilsar have shrunk half their size. The twin lakes of Khushalsar and Gilsar occupied almost a square km in 1965 and have shrunk to less than 0.50 sq. Km. Studies reveal that most of the zones near habitations have become dumping sites of all allochanthus and non- allochanthus materials hampering the flow of waters.