Urges transparent, science-based action on flood management, pollution control, ecological restoration
SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the directions of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, asking the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by October 28 on the recommendations of the report submitted by Environmental Policy Group in ongoing Public Interest Litigations relating to the prevention of floods in Kashmir.
EPG Convenor, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, while appreciating the intervention of the Court, stated that this is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and scientific scrutiny of the works executed for flood prevention and river management in Kashmir. He observed that the Group has consistently highlighted the vulnerability of the Valley to floods and the urgent need to adopt sustainable measures to safeguard life, property, and ecology.
In a statement issued here, Bakshi recalled that on September 7, the Environmental Policy Group submitted a comprehensive report that formed part of the detailed submissions placed before the Hon’ble Court by the learned amicus curiae, Advocate Nadeem Qadri, who along with EPG legal Counsel Advocate Shafqat Nazir have pursued the PIL skilfully with a missionary zeal in the face of many hurdles before Hon’ble Divsion Bench headed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice.The report, based on expert consultations and field observations, seeks to address the structural gaps, ecological degradation, and governance deficits that continue to leave Kashmir exposed to flood risks even after the unprecedented 2014 deluge.
The EPG’s report stresses the necessity of an independent third-party inspection and evaluation of all temporary and permanent works executed under flood management projects in Kashmir. The Group pointed out that enormous public funds have been spent on these works. Yet, previous government audits have raised serious questions about both the quality and impact of the interventions.
EPG further sought accountability on the status and timelines of Phases I, II, and III of the flood recovery project, and demanded clarity on the progress made in the improvement of the Flood Spill Channel (FSC). “The present flow-carrying capacity of the River Jhelum, its tributaries, and the FSC must be placed in the public domain along with details of expenditures incurred, so that people of Kashmir are assured of real flood preparedness,” the report emphasised.
The report further raised a vital question: “What magnitude of probable floods can the riverine system of Jhelum carry presently, and would that be safe for the Valley?”
On pollution and sewage management, the EPG underlined that the discharge of untreated effluents into the River Jhelum and its tributaries is an ecological crime that must end immediately. The Group reiterated its stand that only treated effluents meeting the prescribed standards of the Central Pollution Control Board and J&K Pollution Control Committee should be permitted to flow into natural water bodies.
Equally important, the EPG urged urgent steps to re-establish the pre-existing network of streams, wetlands, lakes, and interlinkages between water bodies which historically provided natural flood absorption and drainage channels in the Valley.
The Group strongly emphasised the eco-restoration and conservation of Wetland Reserves such as Hokersar, Khushalsar, Hygam, Mirgund, and Pampore Wetlands, in line with the Integrated Management Action Plan for Wetland Conservation Kashmir (2022–2027), which has already received government approval and awaits proper implementation and funding.
Welcoming the proactive role of the High Court, Bakshi said: “The Environmental Policy Group sees this judicial intervention as a ray of hope. Floods are not merely natural disasters but aggravated man-made crises born of neglect, encroachment, and short-sighted planning. It is now imperative for the administration to act decisively, transparently, and in consultation with environmental experts.”
The Environmental Policy Group reaffirmed its full commitment to extend constructive cooperation in this critical public cause, and expressed confidence that the directions of the Hon’ble Court will translate into time-bound, effective, and transparent action to safeguard Kashmir’s environment and its people.