Srinagar, Sep 14: Former minister and senior political leader Imran Reza Ansari has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take strict action over alleged landfilling at Brari Nambal, saying partial demolition of the structures would not be enough to address the damage caused to the waterbody.
In a statement, Ansari said the action at Brari Nambal risked becoming an “eye wash” if it ended with partial demolition alone. Referring to a report by Greater Kashmir, he said landfilling had allegedly continued for nearly 15 days.
“The bigger question is: who brought the material, who carried out the filling, and how was it allowed to continue?” he asked.
Ansari called for identification of those responsible, removal of the entire filling and restoration of the waterbody at the encroacher’s cost.
He also demanded a proper investigation into the alleged violation and said that wherever offences were established, FIRs and prosecution should follow.
“Partially demolishing what was built after allowing the damage to happen is not enough. We need accountability for the original act as well as for any failure of monitoring,” he said.
Ansari stressed the need to protect Kashmir’s remaining lakes, wetlands and other waterbodies for future generations.
“We need to keep something for our generation. Our children deserve to inherit clean lakes, wetlands and water bodies, not filled-up land and concrete,” he said, adding that the remaining natural water systems must be protected from further destruction.
He further said that protecting waterbodies and enforcing existing laws did not require statehood, but required “political will, administrative seriousness and responsible citizenship.”
Quoting the Qur’an, Ansari said, “And We made from water every living thing.” (Qur’an 21:30)
“Water is a trust and a source of life. Protecting it is not merely an environmental responsibility; it is a moral responsibility,” he said.
Ansari urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take cognisance of the matter.
