Wetlands in Kashmir face rising pollution, neglect: CPCB to NGT
Wajahat Shabir. Updated: 10/29/2024 2:42:41 AM
Front Page
Hokarsar among 6 wetlands facing deterioration; Wular, Anchar& Dal Lake require attention as well
SRINAGAR: Wetlands in Kashmir have been increasingly susceptible to pollution, waste mismanagement, and structural neglect. On the other hand, as many as 11 water bodies are facing deterioration and immediate intervention.
This was informed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in a detailed report to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) in response to the news item titled “What challenge are Kashmir wetlands facing”.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the NGT has directed CPCB to collect pertinent data and devise corrective measures within a specified timeframe. The CPCB submitted a preliminary report in May, followed by a recent response addressing the escalating environmental concerns.
According to the report, six water bodies, Hokarsar, Shailbagh, Haigam, Freshkoori, DrangbalNambar, Kranchow wetland, Galandar Sar, and Manibagh wetland, Phashajuri Sar, are facing deterioration and immediate intervention.
5 water bodies that require minimum intervention include Wular Lake, Anchar Lake, Dal Lake, Manasbal Lake and Chatlam Wetland.
In response to unchecked sedimentation, pollution, and widespread encroachments, the CPCB has proposed a corrective action plan that calls for urgent attention to protect these vital ecosystems.
The CPCB confirms that Jammu and Kashmir’s wetlands have been increasingly susceptible to pollution, waste mismanagement, and structural neglect. Among the most affected sites are Dal Lake, Anchar Lake, Hokersar, Hygam Wetland, Shalbugh Wetland, Manasbal Lake, and Wular Lake, each facing challenges from encroachment, water quality degradation, and declining fish populations.
The CPCB’s detailed report also acknowledges the unique Ramsar sites in Jammu and Kashmir. These include Hygam Wetland, Shalbugh Wetland, Hokersar, Wular Lake, and Mansar Lake. Ramsar status, which highlights wetlands of international importance, places an additional responsibility on authorities to safeguard these sites. However, ongoing challenges continue to impede the implementation of protective measures.
In response, the CPCB formulated the “Indicative Guidelines for Restoration of Water Bodies,” aligning with a 2019 NGT directive. These guidelines, which were shared with various State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), including the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (PCC), aim to standardize water body restoration practices. Repeated requests to PCC, dating back to 2019, underline CPCB’s proactive stance on water body management, urging the development of a localized action plan.
In June 2024, CPCB formally requested J&K PCC to provide a status update on the restoration efforts for significant water bodies, including Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Hokersar Wetland. J&K PCC responded with a detailed Action Plan prioritizing water bodies that required immediate intervention.
Of the 11 monitored wetlands, six were identified as severely affected, needing urgent restoration actions. These include Hokarsar, Shailbagh, Haigam, Freshkoori, DrangbalNambar, and Manibagh. The Action Plan proposes specific actions for each site, outlining objectives such as water quality improvement, sediment control, and biodiversity conservation.
Notably, the Action Plan categorizes each water body based on deterioration levels and urgency for restoration. Five additional wetlands, including Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake, were listed as requiring minimal intervention. According to CPCB’s findings, the pressing need for environmental intervention is rooted in the region’s rapid development and inadequate waste management infrastructure, which have exacerbated sedimentation and pollution.
Moreover, the CPCB's report details the administrative frameworks in place for managing these water bodies. Agencies such as the Forest Department, Wildlife Protection Department, Soil and Water Conservation Department, and various local urban bodies bear responsibility for these areas. However, despite existing oversight mechanisms, the collaboration among these bodies remains limited, hindering the effectiveness of restoration efforts. To address these gaps, the CPCB's guidelines emphasize coordinated action, inter-agency communication, and an integrated approach to policy enforcement.