Urges authorities to enforce legal protections, restore fragile high-altitude ecosystem
SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group has expressed deep concern over the ongoing illegal construction and unauthorized earthwork being carried out in Aru, Pahalgam, taking place “under the very nose of officials who are meant to safeguard this protected landscape”.
Convenor EPG, Faiz Bakshi, in a statement issued here, saidthese activities run in direct violation of the binding directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and constitute a breach of Eco-Sensitive Zone norms, the Environment (Protection) Act and established planning and land-use regulations.
Aru Valley, a high-altitude ecosystem of exceptional ecological value, is protected for its biodiversity, delicate hydrology and cultural significance. Any intervention — whether construction, excavation or alteration of natural terrain — requires stringent environmental scrutiny, mandatory statutory permissions and full transparency. “Instead, the valley is facing serious disturbance through unapproved foundations, slope cutting, earth-filling and damage to natural vegetation. Such actions pose immediate risks to wildlife corridors, disrupt natural water channels and undermine the sustainability of the region’s eco-tourism economy,” Bakshi said.
The Environmental Policy Group has urged the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Board and the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment to immediately halt all ongoing activity, conduct a time-bound joint inspection, secure the site from further degradation and ensure accountability of all individuals responsible for allowing such violations to occur.
EPG has further called for urgent restoration of the damaged landscape, a transparent and independent inquiry into the matter and strict enforcement of the High Court’s directives. Protecting Aru Valley is critical to preserving Jammu & Kashmir’s environmental heritage and upholding environmental rule of law across all ecologically sensitive areas.