SRINAGAR, SEPT 23: The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) has expressed serious concern over what it described as unlawful interference and encroachment attempts affecting several water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the Government’s preparedness and resolve to protect the region’s rivers, lakes and lagoons.
In a statement, the GCC raised alarm over reports of alleged illegal interference with Anchar Lake and Brar-e-Nambal lagoon in Srinagar, besides recent attempts to encroach upon portions of Dal and Nigeen lakes north of the Northern Foreshore Road (NFR).
The Group appealed to the Government to take stringent action against those involved and initiate all necessary measures to ensure that unlawful interference with water bodies is not allowed to continue with impunity.
The GCC said the issue of placing Anchar Lake and Brar-e-Nambal under the care and custody of an appropriate Government agency had already been raised during its meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 1.
“The need to assign ANCHAR and Brar-e Nambal to the care and custody of an appropriate Agency of the Government was yet again brought up in its meeting with CM on 1st Sept,” the Group said, expressing hope that the seriousness of the issue would be recognised and an effective mechanism established for the protection of these and other threatened water resources.
The GCC also expressed dismay over what it termed the indifference of the public at large, particularly local communities, towards preventing illegal interference with water bodies.
Meanwhile, the Group said it had shared media reports and video clips highlighting what it described as “rampant encroachment” with the District and Divisional Administration for necessary corrective action.
The GCC stressed that timely intervention, clear institutional responsibility and sustained enforcement were essential to prevent further degradation and encroachment of J&K’s vulnerable water bodies.
