Discusses conservation issues, river, lake restoration, policy interventions
SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) held a significant meeting with Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment, to deliberate on pressing ecological and environmental issues affecting the Kashmir region.
The EPG delegation comprised Faiz Ahmad Bakshi (Convenor), Dr. M.M. Shuja (Co-Convenor), and Er. Ajaz Rasool (Governing Council Member).
During the meeting, the EPG team threadbare discussed key challenges such as the conservation of natural resources, the impacts of global warming and climate change, solid waste management, and the urgent need to restore and protect waterbodies, including rivers, wetlands, lakes, and navigational waterways. Specific reference was made to the alarming degradation of River Jhelum, Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake, Haigham, Shallabug, Mirgund, Narakarra, Aanchar, Khushalsar, Gilsar, Padshahi Canal, Brari Nambal, Chuntkul, and several other interconnected systems that define the hydrological, ecological, and cultural landscape of the Valley.
Concerns over unregulated minor mineral extraction from rivers in Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipore, Ganderbal, Pulwama , Shopian Districts hugely affecting Rambiara, Romshi , Sindh, Sukhnag , Kunzer, Ferozpore and other rivers/Nallah’s were also discussed, highlighting the threats to aquatic ecosystems and river morphology. Additionally, serious environmental violations within areas falling under LCMA jurisdiction were flagged, including unregulated and illegal activities in Dara, Khimber, Chatterhama , encroachments, untreated sewage inflows, and illegal constructions and discharge of untreated liquid waste into Dal and Nigeen Lake
The delegation apprised the chairman about the EPG ongoing Public Interest Litigations in the J & K High Court and submitted a comprehensive 20- point memorandum, outlining core environmental concerns and recommended interventions. The Chairman of the Committee assured full cooperation and joint action to protect Kashmir’s ecological heritage and improve environmental governance.
The 19 critical issues highlighted in the memorandum include:
Catchment Area Treatment and Sediment Control in River Jhelum Basin
Flood Management and Long-Pending River Jhelum Project
Restoration of Flood Spill Channels and Srinagar’s Traditional Waterways
Ecological Restoration/Management of Wetlands and Urban Lakes
Reconnecting Waterbodies through Navigational Linkages
Manasbal Lake: Fragmented and Damaging Development Activities
Wular Lake Restoration – Technical Deviations and Need for Independent Audit
Lack of Technical Solid Waste Management in Bandipore and Sopore
Wetlands CMAPs Pending with Government of India
Sewerage and Drainage Infrastructure Deficiencies in Greater Srinagar and Riverbank Towns
Solid Waste Crisis at Achan Landfill
Conservation of National Parks (e.g., Dachigam)
Urban Open Spaces and Playgrounds Under Threat
Opposition to the Proposed Flyover Over Polo Ground
Greenbelt Conservation Must be Prioritized
Illegal Extraction of Minor Minerals (including Doodhganga and Sukhnag)
Environmental Oversight for Road Infrastructure Projects
Development of new Tourism destinations according to an approved Master Plan, Environmental Impact Assessment and carrying capacity
Smart City Projects Require Independent Environmental Audits
Urgent Need for STPs and Enforcement of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
The EPG emphasised the urgency of coordinated action across departments and agencies, and the need for scientific planning, empowered oversight, and transparent implementation mechanisms.
Chairman Tarigami welcomed the memorandum and acknowledged the critical role civil society must play in shaping sustainable environmental policy. He assured the EPG of ongoing dialogue and collaborative frameworks to advance ecological conservation goals in Jammu & Kashmir.