SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court’s intervention in matters concerning the conservation of the Jhelum, seeking accountability from the government over mining activities, sewage treatment infrastructure and the status of river embankments.
In a statement issued on Friday, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi said the Group welcomed the October 29 order passed in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 8/2017, particularly the court’s direction granting the respondents three days to submit a factual statement on the issues raised during the proceedings.
The Group also appreciated the intervention of Amicus Curiae Nadeem Qadiri, who placed three key issues before the court: the extent of legal and illegal mining along the Jhelum, the number of sewage treatment plants proposed along the river, and the status of embankments constructed or removed as part of flood-protection measures.
EPG said the court’s direction would require the government to provide a clear account of the situation and the progress made on these matters, which have significant implications for the river’s ecological condition and flood-management capacity.
It observed that mining activities, the discharge of untreated sewage and changes to river embankments could affect the Jhelum’s ecological health, water-carrying capacity and ability to manage floods. The Group said these concerns required verifiable information, scientific assessment and effective implementation rather than administrative assurances.
EPG also referred to the compliance affidavit filed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, outlining measures taken by various government departments on flood management, wetland conservation and river protection.
The Group said the government should provide specific and verifiable details before the court on the questions raised by the Amicus Curiae and account for the progress achieved under the measures listed in the affidavit.
Welcoming the High Court’s continued monitoring of the case, EPG said judicial oversight was necessary to ensure accountability among government departments and translate environmental commitments into action.
It stressed that protecting the Jhelum, described as Kashmir’s most important natural water resource, required coordinated efforts by government institutions, strict enforcement of environmental laws and a comprehensive strategy for river restoration and flood management.
