EPG Flags Environmental Issues in Kashmir, Submits 20-Point Memorandum to Assembly Panel

SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on Wednesday met with the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment to discuss key ecological issues impacting the Kashmir region.

The group raised concerns over the conservation of natural resources, climate change, solid waste management, and the condition of waterbodies. Specific reference was made to the degradation of River Jhelum, Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake, Haigham, Shallabug, Mirgund, Narakarra, Aanchar, Khushalsar, Gilsar, Padshahi Canal, Brari Nambal, and Chuntkul, along with other interconnected systems across the Valley.

Issues related to unregulated extraction of minor minerals from rivers in Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipore, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian were also discussed. These activities were said to be affecting rivers including Rambiara, Romshi, Sindh, Sukhnag, Kunzer, and Ferozpore. The delegation also flagged violations in areas falling under the LCMA jurisdiction, including illegal activities in Dara, Khimber, and Chatterhama, as well as untreated sewage inflows and illegal constructions discharging waste into Dal and Nigeen Lakes.

The EPG submitted a 20-point memorandum and informed the chairman about their ongoing public interest litigations in the JK High Court. The memorandum includes issues such as catchment treatment in the Jhelum basin, flood management, restoration of spill channels and traditional waterways, wetland management, ecological threats to Manasbal and Wular Lakes, waste management in Bandipore and Sopore, and the need for updated sewerage infrastructure in Srinagar and riverbank towns.

Additional concerns listed include the Achan landfill site, protection of urban open spaces, opposition to a proposed flyover at Polo Ground, illegal mineral extraction in Doodhganga and Sukhnag, and the absence of environmental audits in Smart City projects. The memorandum also called for master plan-based tourism development, technical audits of STPs, and strict implementation of waste management rules.

The group stressed the need for coordinated departmental action, scientific planning, and oversight mechanisms. The chairman assured cooperation and reiterated the importance of civil society involvement in strengthening environmental governance.

The EPG delegation included Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Dr M M Shuja, and Er Ajaz Rasool.