The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to file a complete affidavit providing detailed information about the wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of the deteriorating condition of wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir region.
The Principal Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member has been considering the issue of encroachment, cultivation activities, sedimentation, haphazard planning, and waste discharge into the wetlands.
The NGT had directed the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to provide detailed information about the wetlands, including their number, geo-coordinates, area, and water quality.
However, the department failed to file the affidavit on time.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has filed a report disclosing the details of action initiated for the restoration of the wetlands on a priority basis.
The report identifies 11 wetlands, including Hokarsar Wetland, Shailbagh Wetland, and Haigam Wetland, which require immediate intervention due to extreme deterioration.
The CPCB has also prepared an indicative guideline for the restoration of water bodies and has identified 2815 water bodies, including ponds and lakes, for restoration.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has taken steps to rejuvenate Khushalsar/Gilsar Lakes and Dal/Nigeen Lakes, including lifting and disposal of muck, garbage, and weed.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has filed a report disclosing that there are five Ramsar sites in Jammu and Kashmir, including Hokera Wetland, Wular Lake, and Surinsar-Mansar Lakes.
The MoEF&CC has released funds for the implementation of the management plans for these sites.
The NGT has directed the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to file a complete affidavit providing detailed information about the wetlands within three weeks.
The tribunal has also directed the MoEF&CC to file complete details of the wetlands available with the Central Ministry in respect of Jammu and Kashmir.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 21, 2025.
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