After having spot visit on boundaries of famous Wullar Lake in Kashmir, where as a routine , garbage is dumped by the Local Municipal Committee, the Division Bench of the High Court led by the Chief Justice has directed that all encroachments in the lake must be removed and no construction activity permitted within 200 metres of the lake’s periphery. This direction of the court is not only very important and much required looking to the malaise of dumping garbage etc with impunity but a warning of facing consequences in case the Local Municipal Committee and others continued with the practice which was going to harm and pollute the lake beyond any remedial measures to reverse the damage.
The court, however, turned down the alibi of the State counsel that the garbage was dumped on the boundaries because there was no land (available or allotted) for the dumping process. As if the dumping was any less in causing extensive damage to the lake, encroachments and unauthorised constructions within the boundaries and on the banks of the world famous lake are adding to its woes in which connection, the court directed the authorities to take immediate action and necessary steps for removal of such encroachments and no construction activity was to be permitted within the specified area.
Earlier, dealing with the issue, ‘Excelsior’ had suggested as a step to pre-empt wanton dumping of garbage on its banks, to provide land to the Municipality where it could dump the garbage etc and it is encouraging that a Committee of officials of Revenue, I&FC and Forest Departments are in the process of identifying suitable land in Baramulla and Sopore for creation of a solid Waste landfill. Added to it, full awareness drive to educate the people the dire need to conserve such natural boons too was imperative.
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