Srinagar, Sept 21: A routine cleaning drive in Dal Lake on Saturday took an unexpected turn when workers discovered remnants of an exploded shell, believed to be linked to Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation against Pakistan earlier this year.
Officials from the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), who were carrying out the scheduled cleaning exercise, stumbled upon the metallic fragments beneath the water. The remains were promptly handed over to the nearest police station for examination and necessary action.
The find comes more than four months after Srinagar witnessed a dramatic episode on May 10, when a missile-like object crashed into Dal Lake following loud explosions that rattled the city. At the time, plumes of smoke rose from the water’s surface, drawing attention of residents and tourists. Security forces had rushed to the spot and retrieved parts of the debris.
That strike was part of Operation Sindoor, New Delhi’s decisive military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including several security personnel. The operation targeted Pakistan-based militant infrastructure and underscored India’s resolve to respond forcefully to cross-border terrorism.
Dal Lake, one of Srinagar’s most iconic tourist attractions, has often been at the centre of both natural conservation efforts and security concerns. Saturday’s discovery has once again highlighted the lingering traces of conflict in the region.
Authorities are expected to conduct further forensic checks on the shell remains to confirm their origin. While the LCMA staff resumed their cleaning operations after the recovery, the incident has sparked discussions about the safety of the lake, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Police officials have assured that the situation is under control and that the discovery poses no immediate threat to the public. (Agencies)
