Srinagar, July 5 Several youth from different States have come together to spread awareness about the need to maintain cleanliness and preserve popular tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir.

The youngsters are participating in a nine-day camp under a National Youth Camp and cleaning the area surrounding world famous Jhelum Lake.

Organised by the National Youth Project, New Delhi in association with Peace Foundation, Jammu and Kashmir, the camp is to last till July 9.

Volunteers collect garbage dumped on the banks of Jhelum Lake during the camp.

"The cleaning drive also sends a strong message that our property, tourist spots must be saved from all kinds of pollution and this property of Kashmiris must be preserved since many people depend on this lake for their livelihood," said Fayaz Ahmed, chairman of Peace Foundation, Jammu and Kashmir.

Besides the cleanliness drive, the youth are also spreading a message of peace and brotherhood in the valley.

After Jhelum, the youngsters' next plan is to clean world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.

"We are cleaning by collecting plastics from the roads and taking clearance of the Jhelum Lake," said Sunil Kumar, a youth from West Bengal.

Kashmir has been among the top Asian tourism destinations, particularly for the honeymoon couples, holidaying crowd, nature lovers, skiers and trekkers.

According to official figures, 430,000 tourists including 23,000 foreigners visited Kashmir in 2008. (ANI)