Srinagar: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed deep concern over what it termed as the government’s continued disregard for environmental protection and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir. The group alleged that political interference and unscientific planning have undermined genuine conservation efforts across key ecological zones, including wetlands, water bodies, and urban green spaces.
In a statement issued here, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said that a “troubling pattern of political intervention” has disrupted multiple conservation initiatives. “Encroachers and vested interests are being shielded under political influence, which has seriously damaged efforts to restore fragile ecosystems such as Hokersar and Shalbugh wetlands,” he said.
Bakshi claimed that in Hokersar, some encroachers were falsely alleging that their paddy fields had been submerged, whereas the water level had actually been maintained scientifically to protect the wetland ecosystem. “These misleading claims are being used as a pretext to justify illegal land reclamation, posing a grave threat to the wetland’s survival,” he added.
He further alleged that desilting operations at Shalbugh wetland were arbitrarily halted due to political interference, a move that could increase flood vulnerability in adjoining areas. “Such decisions are politically motivated and have no environmental justification,” Bakshi said.
The EPG Convenor also accused certain political figures of interfering in Srinagar’s urban environmental management. “In Eidgah and Shallbugh wetlands, interference by a prominent political leader disrupted ongoing conservation works. This culture of interference is unacceptable and must be checked immediately if we are to preserve our ecological assets,” he remarked, adding that in one case, a duly approved desilting project was forcibly stopped.
Expressing concern over the proposed Polo Ground flyover project in Srinagar, Bakshi warned that it would result in the felling of nearly 90 chinar trees and lead to the loss of a large portion of the city’s central green space. “These chinars are not just trees but part of Kashmir’s heritage. The project will leave Srinagar’s central sports and recreational area without an open playground. It will be as big a disaster as the filling of Nallahmar,” he said, questioning why open green areas were being destroyed “in the name of traffic management.”
He also pointed out what he described as contradictions in government policy. “On one hand, the Chief Minister talks about developing international-standard sports facilities in Budgam and approving land for a sports complex at IUST, which EPG welcomes. But on the other hand, existing green and sports areas like Polo Ground are being sacrificed in the name of development. The government must shun such a contradictory approach,” he stated.
Referring to ongoing construction near Nigeen Lake, Bakshi demanded an immediate halt to the work, terming it a clear violation of environmental laws and wetland protection norms. “The proposed sports stadium falls within a 200-metre buffer zone of Nigeen Lake. Any construction within this eco-sensitive area is illegal and poses a serious threat to the lake’s ecosystem and water quality,” he said. Bakshi called for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and necessary clearances before any further work is undertaken.
“The government cannot promote development at the cost of ecology,” he warned. “Nigeen Lake is one of Kashmir’s most pristine water bodies. Allowing construction activity around it will set a dangerous precedent and cause irreversible damage.”
Bakshi further urged the government to make Environmental Impact Assessments mandatory for all projects near rivers, lakes, wetlands, wildlife parks, and other ecologically fragile zones.
Citing the Supreme Court’s December 2024 order directing all states and Union Territories to identify, demarcate, and protect wetlands, Bakshi reminded the administration that conservation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir were being carried out under judicial supervision. “Instead of succumbing to political pressures, the government should strengthen and support the departments engaged in conservation work,” he said.
“The environment must not become a casualty of political convenience. The administration must adopt a transparent, science-based approach to development that prioritizes conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources,” the EPG statement concluded.
