Srinagar, Sep 14: Fresh landfilling along a portion of Brari Nambal waterbody in central Srinagar, reportedly being used for vehicle parking, has raised serious questions over the protection and monitoring of the lagoon.

Photographs from the site show a sizeable filled stretch with several vehicles parked on the reclaimed area. The location is close to the office of the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), prompting questions over how the activity continued without being detected.
The key questions now before the authorities are whether the filling was authorized, who carried it out and whether the affected portion will be restored.
Jammu Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari has also questioned the reported filling and alleged encroachment, asking how the activity could continue for nearly two weeks and which agency was responsible for monitoring the site.
The development comes as the LCMA is undertaking restoration and conservation work at Brari Nambal. During inspections in July and August, officials reviewed restoration measures and stressed regular monitoring, cleanliness and long-term protection of the waterbody.
Environmental observers said allowing fresh filling while restoration work is underway defeats the purpose of conservation.
A retired government official familiar with Srinagar’s waterbodies said authorities must establish whether permission was obtained and, if not, identify those responsible and take action under law.
The Brari Nambal waterbody has previously figured in proceedings before the National Green Tribunal over alleged pollution and encroachments, with authorities asked to provide details regarding encroachment and conservation measures.
Residents and environmental observers are now seeking an immediate on-ground survey, removal of any unauthorized filling and restoration of the affected area.
They also want the administration to clarify who filled the waterbody, whether it was permitted and why timely preventive action was not taken.