The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the destruction of Jhelum embankment near Khankah Bagh area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama District and illegal extraction of sand in that area.
The NGT, in its order dated July 26, 2024, had impleaded the respondents and issued notice to them.
A joint committee was also constituted to investigate the matter.
The joint committee report filed by District Magistrate, Pulwama stated that the district administration, Pulwama, along with the concerned line departments, had taken immediate cognizance of the incident and seized the vehicles involved in illegal mining .
The report further stated that an FIR had been lodged against the offender, and the damaged portion of the embankment had been strengthened by laying earth-filled bags.
The joint committee also conducted a spot inspection and found that no mining activity was taking place at the site .
However, the report was only signed by the District Magistrate, Pulwama, and Member Secretary, J&K Pollution Control Committee, whereas the joint committee constituted by the Tribunal also included RO, MoEF&CC, Chandigarh, as a member.
The Principal Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel has directed District Magistrate, Pulwama to remain virtually present on the next date of hearing and has allowed respondent no 2-Member Secretary, J&KPCC, four weeks’ time to file a reply.
The matter has been listed for hearing on February 2, 2025.
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