Use SBM Gramin Funds for wetlands conservation: NGT to Div Com Kashmir

ZT News Network

SRINAGAR: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to consider the suggestions made by petitioner regarding utilizing funds available under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-Gramin) so that solid waste management could be taken up in Kashmir’s wetlands on a regular basis. NGT’s principal bench’s order dated 27^th August further says that suggestions be duly considered and acted upon to the extent found viable.

The petition titled Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat  v/s  J&K Govt was listed before Princiapl Bench of 4 members headed by Chairperson National Green Tribunal (NGT) Justice  A K Goel on  Aug 27th 2020.  Petitioner Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat filed response to the report submitted by JK Govt some time back and had given suggestions for collaboration between Wildlife Conservation Department and Rural Sanitation Department so that solid waste management around Hokersar wetland and adjoining villages Soibugh, Sharifabad and Hajibagh could be taken up. 

“There are enough funds available under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM Gramin) for such activities but unfortunately the money is not being utilized as no DPRs have been prepared by Govt in past “ reads the suggestions of the petitioner filed before NGT. 

Petitioner Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat has suggested that an effective watch and ward system needs to be made available by J&K Wildlife Conservation Department to prevent dumping of solid waste in and around Hokersar. He had urged NGT to direct the J&K Govt to  spend funds available under Solid Liquid Resource Management programme of SBM Gramin. 

“I also urged the NGT to appoint an independent Non Governmental Expert as Court Commissioner to facilitate the determination of the real questions in controversy and the false statements being made by the Municipal Committee Bandipora wherein they claim that municipal waste was not being dumped at Zalwan area which is not true at all “ said Dr Raja Muzaffar.