The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Sep 30: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s call for a crackdown on encroachments along water bodies, following the devastating floods that recently hit the Union Territory. At the same time, the group stressed the urgent need for systematic action, accountability, and protection of fragile wetlands, which serve as natural water-absorption basins and are crucial to Kashmir’s aquatic ecology.
Convenor Faiz Bakshi appreciated the LG’s initiative but raised pointed questions about the origin and persistence of these encroachments. “How did these encroachments come up in the first place? Under whose supervision were they allowed to grow unchecked? And will those responsible be held accountable?” he asked.
The group highlighted wetlands such as Hokersar, Haigham, Shallabugh, Mirgund, as well as Anchar, Dal, and Nigeen Lakes, which have seen tens to hundreds of kanals illegally encroached, according to RTI information filed by activist MM Shuja. Anchar Lake, in particular, has been bifurcated into plots, sold, and even mutated into proprietary revenue records. A 25-foot-wide road running deep into Anchar facilitates this encroachment, plotting, and sale.
EPG expressed shock over the management of Hokersar, where inlet and outlet hydraulic gated structures had to be constructed at a cost of around Rs 47 crore to correct the consequences of deep dredging that had drained the wetland for over three years. Despite meetings with Wildlife and other government departments, the required water levels are reportedly not being maintained due to interference from hidden hands. “Why spend Rs 47 crore if the objective cannot be achieved?” the group questioned.
Similar issues persist at Haigham Wetland, where encroachers frequently cut embankments to drain water, reducing the water spread and volume of this internationally reputed wetland.
EPG also pointed out widespread illegal construction, overnight road and bridge work, and encroachments in LCMA jurisdiction areas like Dal, Nigeen, Khimber, and Chattergam, often carried out by influential individuals and left unchecked by enforcement officers. The group questioned how such encroachments continue despite public awareness and administrative measures, and which agencies might be supporting these violators.
Beyond wetlands, EPG warned of broader ecological threats, including vandalization of nallahs and rivers, illegal mining, and degradation of karewas, which continue to damage the UT’s water bodies.
While welcoming the LG’s call for a people’s movement to protect water bodies, Bakshi stressed that action must be “time-bound, transparent, and accountable.” He said, “Wetlands and water bodies are the lungs of Kashmir’s environment. Their encroachment is not just an environmental concern but a loss for future generations.”
The group concluded by urging immediate restoration of encroached wetlands, decisive action against encroachers and negligent officials, and sustained public awareness to protect Kashmir’s fragile ecology. “The LG’s statement in the backdrop of recent floods, and the destruction it caused to life, property, and infrastructure, raises serious questions. Actions of a small section of society, in collusion with accomplices, have caused unimaginable loss. LG’s statement is a positive first step, but only decisive action and accountability will ensure our precious water bodies and wetlands are preserved for generations to come,” EPG added.
