Budgam: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza, Thursday, chaired a meeting convened to discuss the directions received from National Green Tribunal (NGT) pertaining to issues of wetlands and water bodies of the district.
The meeting also deliberated on the points, previously, discussed in the meeting held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
During the meeting, DC instructed the concerned authorities to act swiftly and resolve all issues besides achieving targets set under various projects including works relating to covering of wetland, its demarcation, removing encroachments from wetlands and Numbals.
It was given out in the meeting that there are 4 wetlands, Hokersar, Soibugh, Narbal Nambal and Narkara Nambal, besides some small patches are also existing adjacent to these wetlands.
The DC directed the concerned to pace up the demarcation process of all the wetlands and namblas. He asked the allied departments like Revenue, Wildlife, Irrigation and Flood Control departments and other agencies to work in close coordination and take assistance of police wherever required to complete the process within a week.
He directed the concerned officials to prevent the general public from throwing any kind of garbage or solid waste into these wetlands to make it sustainable and install pillars around its borders through barbed wire and at some places by fencing.
Regarding the issue of proper management of dumping of garbage and other solid liquid waste, the DC directed Wage Employment Officers and others concerned to identify suitable spots or locations where dumping plants equipped with all latest facilities can be established.
Taking strong note of non compliance by contractors, the DC directed that such agencies shall be dealt with iron hand and action as warranted under rules shall be initiated which includes forfeiting of CDR, blacklisting and lodging of FIR against the erring contractors.
Among others the meeting was attended by ADC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad, Director Rakhs and Farms, Wildlife Warden, ACD, ACR and District officer SPCB.
