EPG seeks probe into alleged filling of Dal Lake

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, Aug 31: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows filling or reclamation of a portion of Dal Lake near the office of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) at Miskeen Bagh.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, EPG urged the competent authorities to verify the video and establish the exact location and nature of the activity shown. The group said the matter required prompt examination given the ecological importance and sensitivity of Dal Lake.

EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said that if the activity shown in the video involves filling of a water body, reclamation of lake area, dumping of material, alteration of a water channel or unauthorised encroachment, it could raise environmental and regulatory concerns.

The group has sought a joint spot inspection by LCMA and other concerned departments to determine whether any portion of Dal Lake or its adjoining water area has been filled, reclaimed, encroached upon or otherwise altered.

It has also asked the authorities to verify the ownership, land classification, revenue status and permissible land use of the area shown in the video.

The EPG said the concern was not limited to Dal Lake and called for greater attention to the protection of water bodies and natural drainage systems across Jammu and Kashmir.

“Jammu & Kashmir possesses a highly interconnected network of lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, springs, nallahs, flood channels and other natural water systems,” the group said.

It referred to Wular Lake, Anchar Lake, Nigeen Lake, Manasbal Lake, Khushal Sar, Gilsar and Hokersar, besides the River Jhelum and its tributaries.

“These water bodies are not vacant land available for gradual reclamation,” the EPG said, adding that they play a role in water storage, regulating flows, supporting biodiversity, groundwater recharge and flood protection.

The group also referred to Government of India documentation on encroachment pressures affecting the lacustrine systems of the Kashmir Valley and cited observations from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on the conservation and management of Dal Lake.

The EPG said the CAG report had recorded issues including blocked nallahs, construction affecting drainage, dumping of construction material and shrinkage of drainage channels.

The organisation has called for a comprehensive review of major lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams, springs, nallahs, flood channels and natural drainage systems across J&K to identify cases of encroachment, filling, reclamation and obstruction.

It has proposed GIS- and satellite-based mapping of major water bodies and their buffer areas, followed by physical verification on the ground.

The group has also suggested continuous monitoring of sensitive water bodies through satellite imagery, drone surveys, GIS mapping and periodic field inspections.

The EPG further urged the government to ensure that any filling, reclamation, construction or alteration affecting the natural extent or drainage characteristics of a water body is subjected to environmental, hydrological and technical scrutiny by the competent authorities.

It has also suggested treating natural flood channels, nallahs, wetlands and drainage corridors as important components of climate and disaster resilience.

The group has called for greater transparency in the handling of encroachment cases and suggested that information on identified encroachments and action taken by the authorities be made publicly accessible.

“Jammu & Kashmir’s water bodies are part of its natural capital,” the EPG said, adding that they should be protected while development activities are undertaken.

The group has requested the Chief Minister to direct the concerned authorities to examine the video, conduct an on-ground verification and take appropriate action if any violation is established.