Srinagar, Oct 30: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has sought a report attesting to mining activities, proposed setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in river Jehlum as also construction or removal of embankments for flood control of the waterbody.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Yash Paul Bourney sought the report after Advocate Nadeem Qadiri assisting as amicus curiae in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Environmental Policy Group on conservation of Jehlum, raised these issues.
“What is the kind of legal or illegal mining activity is going on in the entire river Jhelum? How many STPs have been proposed to be established in the course of river Jhelum? And how many of the embankments have been built or removed for the purpose of containing the flood?” the amicus said at the very outset.
Following the Court counsel’s submission, senior Additional Advocate General for the government informed the court that he would respond to all the issues. Furthermore, he would explain the execution of the affidavit filed by the Divisional Commissioner on October 25, he said
The Court however directed the senior AAG to indicate also the milestones achieved so far in the matter related to flood mitigation. It listed the matter for further hearing on October 31.
Filed in 2017, the PIL flags the fragile flood management system in Kashmir. It seeks the court’s intervention for measures to protect Kashmir from future flood disasters.
The PIL also highlights the shortcomings in flood management due to which massive damage was caused during 2014 floods and seeks tangible steps to avoid such situations.
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