SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), a private construction firm, NKC Projects Private Limited, and the Jammu and Kashmir Government over alleged environmental negligence that led to damage of a high-density apple orchard in Batpora-Wathoora area of Budgam district during the construction of the Srinagar Ring Road project last year.
The notice was issued following a petition filed by Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a resident of Batpora-Wathoora in Tehsil Chadoora, through his counsel Advocate Saurabh Sharma. The petitioner alleged that approximately 6.5 kanals of his orchard and agricultural land were severely damaged due to prolonged waterlogging caused by the choking of a drainage channel near the construction site.
The orchard, comprising nearly 500 high-density apple trees aged between seven to eight years, was reportedly submerged for over a month after the area was earth-filled for a highway flyover, resulting in extensive crop loss. The petitioner argued that the authorities failed to provide adequate drainage safeguards during the execution of the road project.
The case was heard by the NGT bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr A. Senthil Veil, and Dr Afroz Ahmad, both Expert Members. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel contended that the flooding was a direct result of negligence on the part of the project executors and sought immediate remedial measures and compensation for the damages incurred.
In his plea, Bhat also requested that the Horticulture Department be made a party to the case, which the tribunal accepted.
The NGT, in its order dated May 8, 2025, directed: “Issue notice in original application -OA and Interim Application- IA No. 350/2025 to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing through e-filing. The Applicant is directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.”
The matter is now scheduled for its next hearing on September 15, 2025.
