Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 11: A roundtable to discuss the environmental degradation in Kashmir valley with eminent lawyers practicing at National Green Tribunal (NGT) New Delhi was held here today.
Senior lawyers Rahul Chowdhary and Ritwick Dutta who also practice at Supreme Court of India deliberated upon various aspects related to air and water pollution. The event was attended by a large number of environmental experts, lawyers and activists from various districts of Kashmir.
Chairman J&K RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar who was coordinating the event gave a detailed presentation on unscientific waste management in Kashmir and its impact on the water bodies like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Wullar Lake, Jhelum River, etc. He showed his serious concern about illegal mining taking place across small rivers of Kashmir valley which are technically not at all feasible for this kind of work.
Syed Nasarullah, Chairman, Legal Committee of Environmental Policy Group (EPG) while presenting welcome address acknowledged the work of Advocate Rahul Chowdhary and Ritwick Dutta for taking up environmental cases from Kashmir at NGT. Convener EPG Faiz Bakshi deliberated upon unscientific waste management and gave a detailed presentation about EPG’s work.
Noted environmental experts Prof G A Bhat, Dr M R D Kundangar and Ajaz Rasool spoke in detail about the pathetic conditions of water bodies in Kashmir and discussed the ways and methods to control it.
President Travel Agents of Kashmir (TAK) Farooq Kuthoo and past president Peerzada Fayaz deliberated upon eco-tourism and uncontrolled tourist rush in Kashmir valley and its impact on environment.
Representatives from Central Auqaf Committee Tarzoo Sopore, Khrew, Hokersar Wetland, Dachigam Wildlife Reserve and Doodh Ganga Chadoora raised issues related to unscientific waste dumping, air pollution and illegal mining.
During the discussion work done by Manzoor Wangnoo Chairman NLCO to clean up Gilsar and Khushaalsar was also acknowledged. Former SMC Commissioner Dr G N Qasba also participated in the roundtable and urged upon the participants to work in close coordination with Government.
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