Judges take serious note of PIL over preparedness
Jammu : The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has expressed serious concerns regarding flood preparedness in Kashmir, prompting a directive for top bureaucrats to appear in person before the court.
The intervention arose during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing initiated by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), which presented a report detailing significant risks associated with inadequate flood preparedness, encroachment on wetlands, and a lack of long-term planning. The court reviewed a six-page report submitted by EPG convenor Faiz Ahmed Bakshi, which emphasized the urgent need for action. It called for a moratorium on all land allotments, sales, or transfers within 500 meters of wetlands, citing that unchecked encroachment diminishes the Valley’s natural flood absorption capacity. Specific projects, including Rakh Arth, Transworld University, and IIM Srinagar, were identified for immediate cessation. The report also insisted that no government constructions should proceed without verifying that the land is not a waterbody. Additionally, the EPG highlighted that the carrying capacity of the Jhelum River and its flood channels has not been enhanced despite previous court orders since 2014. Dredging operations post-floods were criticized as incomplete and inconsistent, with recommendations for future dredging to be informed by satellite surveys and sediment studies, alongside continuous monitoring. The report pointed out the decline of critical wetlands such as Hokersar, Haigam, Shallabugh, and Mirgund, which historically served as natural buffers during heavy rainfall but are now compromised. It also raised concerns about the vulnerability of Srinagar’s drainage system and the deteriorating condition of embankments along the Jhelum, which remain unrepaired since the 2014 floods. The EPG proposed the establishment of small storage structures in every basin and sub-basin to help manage floodwaters and support hybrid power generation. On the 11th anniversary of the 2014 floods, the EPG reaffirmed its commitment to pursue these issues in court and announced plans to convene a seminar of experts to formulate additional recommendations for the government.
