National Green Tribunal Demands Response on Sindh Nullah Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested responses from the environment ministry and others over rampant pollution in Kashmir's Sindh nullah. The waterbody, crucial for irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water, is heavily polluted. The NGT urges responsible authorities to comply with environmental norms and submit their responses before the next hearing.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called for a response from the Ministry of Environment and other concerned entities regarding the widespread pollution in Sindh nullah in Ganderbal district, Kashmir.

The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the authorities' indifference to the escalating pollution in the waterbody. Sindh nullah is a vital tributary of the Jhelum River, contributing significantly to irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water supply to Srinagar via the Rangil Water Treatment Plant.

In its recent directive, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad referred to the media report's claims that the nullah, once a pristine water source, has suffered severe pollution due to unchecked waste dumping. The tribunal has noted that the issue involves substantial concerns about adherence to environmental regulations. The bench has summoned responses from several authorities, including the Jammu regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, Ganderbal's Deputy Commissioner, and the Fisheries Department.

The tribunal has issued notices to these respondents to file their affidavits at least a week before the next hearing scheduled for December 11. It also stated that any respondent filing a direct reply must be virtually present to assist the tribunal.

(With inputs from agencies.)