Srinagar, Oct 30: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court’s intervention in matters concerning the conservation of the Jhelum, saying judicial oversight is crucial to ensuring accountability over mining, sewage treatment and river embankments.
In a statement issued on Friday, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi welcomed the October 29 order passed in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 8/2017, under which the court granted the respondents three days to submit a factual statement on key issues raised during the proceedings.
The Group also appreciated the submissions made by Amicus Curiae Nadeem Qadiri, who highlighted three major concerns: 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 compel the government to present a clear and verifiable account of the steps taken and progress achieved on these critical issues.
It observed that unchecked mining, discharge of untreated sewage and alterations to river embankments could seriously undermine the Jhelum’s ecological health, water-carrying capacity and flood-management potential. The Group stressed that these concerns required scientific assessment, transparent information and effective implementation rather than mere administrative assurances.
EPG also referred to the compliance affidavit submitted by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, detailing measures undertaken by various departments for flood management, wetland conservation and river protection.
The Group urged the government to provide specific details before the court on the questions raised by the Amicus Curiae and demonstrate tangible progress on the measures outlined in the affidavit.
Welcoming the High Court’s continued monitoring, EPG said judicial intervention was essential to ensure that government departments remained accountable and environmental commitments translated into concrete action.
It emphasised that safeguarding the Jhelum, Kashmir’s vital natural water resource, required coordinated institutional efforts, strict enforcement of environmental laws and a comprehensive strategy for river restoration and flood management.
Srinagar, Oct 30: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court’s intervention in matters concerning the conservation of the Jhelum, saying judicial oversight is crucial to ensuring accountability over mining, sewage treatment and river embankments.
In a statement issued on Friday, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi welcomed the October 29 order passed in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 8/2017, under which the court granted the respondents three days to submit a factual statement on key issues raised during the proceedings.
The Group also appreciated the submissions made by Amicus Curiae Nadeem Qadiri, who highlighted three major concerns: 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 compel the government to present a clear and verifiable account of the steps taken and progress achieved on these critical issues.
It observed that unchecked mining, discharge of untreated sewage and alterations to river embankments could seriously undermine the Jhelum’s ecological health, water-carrying capacity and flood-management potential. The Group stressed that these concerns required scientific assessment, transparent information and effective implementation rather than mere administrative assurances.
EPG also referred to the compliance affidavit submitted by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, detailing measures undertaken by various departments for flood management, wetland conservation and river protection.
The Group urged the government to provide specific details before the court on the questions raised by the Amicus Curiae and demonstrate tangible progress on the measures outlined in the affidavit.
Welcoming the High Court’s continued monitoring, EPG said judicial intervention was essential to ensure that government departments remained accountable and environmental commitments translated into concrete action.
It emphasised that safeguarding the Jhelum, Kashmir’s vital natural water resource, required coordinated institutional efforts, strict enforcement of environmental laws and a comprehensive strategy for river restoration and flood management.
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