EPG seeks action against alleged illegal landfilling, encroachment of Brari Nambal wetland

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) to take immediate action against alleged illegal landfilling and encroachment upon the water expanse of Brari Nambal wetland in Srinagar’s Downtown area.

In a communication addressed to the Vice Chairman, LCMA, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi sought information on the circumstances under which the alleged filling was allowed to continue and demanded restoration of the affected area to its original water-holding condition.

According to the representation, a portion of the wetland was allegedly filled with landfilling material over a period of nearly two weeks, following which the reclaimed area was occupied for commercial purposes, including use as a parking and dealing space by car dealers.

Bakshi alleged that the activity continued without hindrance despite the proximity of the LCMA office to the site, raising concerns over the adequacy of monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

Concerns over wetland degradation

The EPG convenor stated that Brari Nambal is a historic and ecologically significant wetland situated in the heart of Srinagar’s Downtown area and connected to the hydrological system of Dal Lake.

He said the wetland had already suffered severe degradation due to decades of unchecked encroachment, dumping and pollution, and warned that any further reduction in its water spread could cause serious ecological damage and affect the hydrological balance of Dal Lake.

The representation alleged that the filling and encroachment of the notified wetland violated the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and other applicable statutory provisions and conservation guidelines governing wetlands and water bodies in Jammu & Kashmir.

EPG seeks restoration, accountability

The EPG has called upon the LCMA to:

• Provide information on whether any permission or clearance was granted for the landfilling and explain the circumstances under which it continued unchecked.

• Identify the persons or parties responsible for the alleged illegal filling and encroachment and initiate appropriate action under applicable laws.

• Ensure immediate removal of the landfilled material and restoration of the affected area to its original water-holding condition.

• Establish effective and continuous monitoring measures to prevent further encroachments in and around Brari Nambal.

• Apprise the EPG convenor of the action taken in the matter.

Bakshi urged the LCMA to treat the matter on priority, citing the sensitivity of Brari Nambal and its importance to the ecology of Srinagar.

A copy of the representation has also been forwarded to the Secretary/Commissioner, Housing & Urban Development Department, Jammu & Kashmir, for information and necessary directions.

The allegations and requests for action are contained in the representation submitted by EPG; the response of the LCMA and independent verification of the alleged landfilling were not included in the communication.