NGT Flags J&K Wetland Decline
The National Green Tribunal’s recent observations on the declining health of wetlands across Jammu and Kashmir have gently but firmly drawn attention to an environmental issue that can no longer be ignored. The findings, based on detailed water quality assessments and reports submitted by various departments, paint a picture of ecosystems under increasing pressure. These wetlands, once renowned for their pristine waters and ecological richness, are exhibiting visible signs of deterioration, prompting the Tribunal to seek clarification on the steps taken so far and those planned for the future.
Across the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, water bodies that serve as essential ecological buffers and irreplaceable cultural landscapes have displayed worrying trends in recent testing. Many samples failed to meet even the basic Class B standards, which are typically used to assess water suitable for outdoor bathing. This failure is not simply a matter of falling short of technical benchmarks; it reflects deeper disruptions in natural processes. High biochemical oxygen demand, low dissolved oxygen, and significant faecal contamination indicate that these wetlands are struggling to sustain their ecological functions. For generations, wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir have supported livelihoods, nurtured biodiversity, and formed an integral part of the region’s environmental identity. They recharge groundwater, buffer floods, provide breeding grounds for fish and migratory birds, and offer communities a quiet resilience against climatic fluctuations. Unfortunately, they now face pressures that are steadily eroding these roles. Encroachment, cultivation within fragile zones, unchecked waste disposal, sediment accumulation, and insufficient regulatory oversight have all contributed to their decline. The National Green Tribunal, acting on a suo motu basis after a detailed media report highlighted these issues, has noted the concerning extent of degradation. In many districts of Kashmir, such as Bandipora, Kupwara, Srinagar, and Pulwama, the majority of samples showed high levels of pollution. A similar pattern was visible in several wetlands in the Jammu division. Even a handful of water bodies that meet basic parameters does not diminish the larger picture of widespread ecological stress. A point of concern highlighted by the Tribunal is the lack of clearly defined remedial or punitive action in the reports furnished by the responsible authorities. While ongoing ground-truthing exercises and GIS updates are important components of wetland management, they cannot substitute concrete enforcement. Without measures to address violations, restrict harmful activities, and restore damaged areas, documentation alone will not halt or reverse degradation. The Tribunal also reminded authorities of the Supreme Court’s 2019 directive requiring a 75-meter no-construction buffer around lakes and wetlands. Such protective zones are vital because they shield water bodies from direct human interference. When encroachments creep into these peripheries, wetlands lose their natural ability to filter pollutants and maintain ecological stability. Ensuring adherence to this guideline is a necessary step toward long-term preservation. Beyond legalities and technical parameters lies the human dimension. When wetlands degrade, communities living around them are often the first to feel the impact. Pollution affects water quality, reduces fish populations, and disrupts agriculture. For people dependent on wetlands for livelihood and sustenance, these changes can create economic hardship and social vulnerability. Thus, the decline of wetlands is not only an environmental concern but also a question of well-being, equity, and resilience. Despite the challenges, the current situation offers an opportunity to shape a more coordinated and effective approach. The Tribunal’s call for detailed compliance reports can serve as a catalyst for stronger interdepartmental engagement. Wetland restoration requires cooperation between environmental agencies, local bodies, pollution control authorities, and community groups. Administrative action combined with public awareness campaigns can encourage citizens to understand the value of wetlands and participate in their protection. Restoration efforts may include de-silting exercises, the removal of unauthorized structures, strict monitoring of waste inflows, and the establishment of proper sewage and wastewater treatment systems. Local communities can also play an active role through watch groups, conservation programs, and eco-friendly livelihood initiatives.
As the Tribunal prepares to review the matter again in February, the focus should shift from identification of problems to meaningful progress on the ground. Jammu and Kashmir’s wetlands hold ecological, cultural, and emotional significance for the people of the region. Their decline is not unavoidable, but timely action is essential to prevent long-lasting damage. Protecting these water bodies today will help secure a healthier, more balanced environment for future generations.
