NGT directs CPCB, PCC to look into pollution in Manasbal Lake

Srinagar, Feb 2: The National Green Tribunal -NGT has directed the Central Pollution Control Board – CPCB and J&K Pollution Control Committee-PCC to ascertain the status of water quality of the Manasbal lake (wetland ) and also find out the sources of discharge of pollutants in this wetland.

The NGT has directed them to submit the status and action taken report at least one week before the next date of hearing. The petition regarding pollution and encroachment of Manasbal Lake in District Ganderbal has been filed by Environmental and RTI Activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat.

The case was listed on Friday January 30, 2026  before NGTs Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Srivastava (Chairman) and Dr Senthil Vel Expert Member.  Advocate Rahul Chowdhary and Shreepuna Dasgupta who represented the petitioner told the Green Tribunal that large scale sewerage and solid waste was being dumped into Manasbal lake / wetland area  through Lar canal and surrounding areas which has resulted in severe pollution in this waterbody . Ironically PHE Jal Shakti Department is supplying the same waste to around 30,000 people in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts.

After going through the petition of Dr Raja Muzaffar and hearing the arguments of his counsels Advocate Rahul Chowdhury and  Shreepuna Dasgupta , the bench of Justice Prakash Srivastava and Dr Senthil Vel in addition directing the CPCB & PCC to take action also issued notices to J&K Govt through Chief Secretary , Additional Chief Secretary -ACS Jal Shakti, DC Ganderbal, Mission Director Swachh Bharat Mission- Gramin J&K, CEO Wullar Manasbal Development Authority , Executive Engineer IFC Ganderbal and several BDOs in Ganderbal district who are responsible for rural sanitation around Lar Canal which is causing pollution in Manasbal lake.

“ The Respondent No. 2 – CPCB and Respondent No. 3 – J&KPCC are directed to ascertain the status of water quality of the wetland in question and also find out the sources of discharge of pollutants in this wetland and submit the status and action taken report at least one week before the next date of hearing. The other respondents are also directed to file their reply by way of affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing “ reads  the order . The case is again listed for hearing on  April  22, 2026.

“Pollution in Manasbal lake is not only environmental violation but this is impacting the health of around 30,000 people as  this lake is the drinking water source for several water supply schemes in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts. I am grateful to NGT for taking cognizance of this case and also I appreciate my counsel Advocatte Rahul Chowdhary, Advocate Shreepuna Dasgupta  for their constant support. I am also grateful to Social Concern Group of Manasbal Safapora for providing me detailed information about the pollution in Manasbal lake.