The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, October 30: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the October 29 order of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court in PIL No. 8/2017, describing the issues raised before the court concerning the river Jhelum as critical to its conservation and long-term ecological protection.
The Group welcomed the intervention of Amicus Curiae Nadeem Qadiri, who raised three important questions before the court concerning the nature and extent of legal and illegal mining activities across the Jhelum, the number of sewage treatment plants proposed along the river and the status of embankments constructed or removed for flood protection.
EPG particularly welcomed the fact that the Hon’ble Court granted three days’ time to the respondents to submit a factual statement of facts before it, requiring the government to place a clear account of the situation and the progress made on these critical environmental issues.
The Group said these issues require clear answers and a time-bound approach from the government, particularly in view of the growing environmental challenges confronting the Jhelum.
EPG observed that illegal mining, untreated sewage discharge and the condition of river embankments have significant implications for the river’s ecological health, carrying capacity and flood-management system. These concerns cannot be addressed through administrative assurances alone and require transparent information, scientific assessment and effective implementation on the ground.
The Group also took note of the compliance affidavit submitted by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, detailing the measures undertaken by various government departments concerning flood management, wetland conservation and river protection.
EPG said it expects the government to place specific and verifiable information before the court on the questions raised by the Amicus Curiae and explain the progress achieved under the various measures outlined in its compliance report.
Welcoming the High Court’s continued monitoring of the matter, EPG said judicial oversight remains important to ensure accountability among concerned departments and translate environmental commitments into tangible results.
The Group reiterated that the Jhelum is Kashmir’s most important natural water resource and its protection must remain a priority. Its conservation requires coordinated institutional efforts, strict enforcement of environmental laws and a comprehensive approach to river restoration and flood management.
