SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to order an on-ground probe into a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows filling or reclamation of a portion of Dal Lake near the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) office at Miskeen Bagh.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi sought verification of the video and identification of the exact location and nature of the activity shown.
The group said the matter warranted prompt examination given the ecological significance and sensitivity of Dal Lake.
Bakshi said that if the activity shown in the video involved filling of a water body, reclamation of lake area, dumping of material, alteration of a water channel or unauthorised encroachment, it could have environmental and regulatory implications.
The EPG has sought a joint spot inspection by LCMA and other concerned departments to ascertain whether any portion of Dal Lake or its adjoining water area has been filled, reclaimed, encroached upon or otherwise altered.
It has also called for verification of the ownership, land classification, revenue status and permissible land use of the area shown in the video.
The group said its concern extended beyond Dal Lake and called for greater 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,” it said.
The EPG referred to Wular, Anchar, Nigeen and Manasbal lakes, besides Khushal Sar, Gilsar and Hokersar, as well as the Jhelum and its tributaries.
“These water bodies are not vacant land available for gradual reclamation,” the group said, maintaining that they play an important role in water storage, flow regulation, biodiversity, groundwater recharge and flood protection.
The EPG also referred to Government of India documentation concerning encroachment pressures on lacustrine systems in the Kashmir Valley and observations contained in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the conservation and management of Dal Lake.
According to the group, the CAG report had highlighted issues including blocked nallahs, construction affecting drainage, dumping of construction material and shrinkage of drainage channels.
The EPG 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 instances 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 further suggested continuous monitoring of sensitive water bodies through satellite imagery, drone surveys, GIS mapping and periodic field inspections.
It has 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 competent authorities.
The EPG also proposed treating natural flood channels, nallahs, wetlands and drainage corridors as key components of climate and disaster resilience.
Calling for greater transparency in the handling of encroachment cases, the group suggested that details of identified encroachments and action taken by authorities be made publicly accessible.
“Jammu & Kashmir’s water bodies are part of its natural capital,” the EPG said, adding that these 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.
