New Delhi, 20-03-2024: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to various authorities, including the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, concerning the alleged deteriorating conditions of wetlands and water bodies in the region.
This action comes in response to a news report that brought attention to the worsening state of these ecosystems in the Union Territory. The report highlighted factors contributing to this decline, such as natural phenomena and human activities like rising temperatures, unchecked sediment deposition, encroachment, and waste discharge. Notably, pollution in prominent water bodies like Dal, Wular, Anchar, and Manasbal lakes, along with wetlands such as Haigam Rakh, Hokersar, and Shalbug, has been cited. The NGT bench, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, underscored the necessity for effective management and immediate action to ensure the sustainability of wetlands and water bodies. It also flagged concerns regarding compliance with environmental regulations and the enforcement of relevant laws. Consequently, the NGT impleaded various authorities as parties to the case, directing them to submit their responses before the next hearing scheduled for May 22.
Despite a report submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee regarding the monitoring of nine wetlands — Hokarsar, Mirgund, Manibugh, Freshkoori, Chattlam, Kranchoo, Shallbugh, Hygam and Manasbal., the NGT observed a lack of essential data required for a comprehensive assessment of water bodies, urging for more thorough reporting standards.
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