Committee inspects SKIMS waste management, directs time-bound remedial action
Srinagar : The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, under the Chairmanship of MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Thursday conducted an extensive visit to Anchar Lake and its adjoining areas to assess the measures being undertaken by the Government for conservation, restoration and pollution control of the lake besides identifying further interventions required for its effective protection and sustainable management.
Members of the Committee, including MLAs Daleep Singh Parihar, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Salman Sagar and Javaid ReyazBedar besides MLA Mubarak Gul, accompanied the Chairman during the visit.
During the inspection, the Committee raised serious concerns about the widespread encroachments happening in and around Anchar Lake. They emphasized that immediate and effective actions need to be taken to remove these illegal encroachments and reclaim the encroached land in line with the law. The Committee highlighted the importance of preventing any further encroachment on the lake and its surrounding areas through strict enforcement, regular monitoring, and coordinated efforts from the relevant departments. The Chairman instructed the Vice-Chairman of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) to provide a detailed report outlining the nature and extent of the illegal encroachments around Anchar Lake, the current status of land retrieval, and the actions taken against those violating the regulations. He also requested clear timelines and a breakdown of the proposed measures to prevent new encroachments and ensure strict adherence to environmental and land protection laws. Expressing his worries about the declining ecological state of the lake, the Chairman noted that Anchar Lake is grappling with significant environmental issues due to encroachment, pollution, siltation, and other human-induced pressures. He stressed that protecting and restoring the lake demands ongoing institutional efforts, effective implementation of environmental safeguards, and close collaboration among all relevant departments. He pointed out the necessity for a comprehensive and time-sensitive conservation strategy that includes preventing untreated sewage and waste from being discharged, conducting scientific desiltation when needed, restoring the lake’s natural water channels, safeguarding its catchment areas, and regularly monitoring water quality. He insisted that all interventions should be guided by scientific assessments and ecological considerations to ensure the lake’s long-term sustainability. The Chairman also highlighted that preserving Anchar Lake is a collective responsibility shared by both the government and the public. He urged for increased community involvement in these efforts.
