Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 11: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) today termed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India’s latest report on wetlands a “wake-up call,” warning that the large-scale disappearance of lakes and water bodies in J&K cannot be “brushed aside in speeches” and requires urgent, time-bound government action.
Citing the CAG findings, the group said 315 lakes-nearly 45 per cent of the total-have completely disappeared across the Union Territory, pointing to a deepening ecological crisis and systemic failure in conservation efforts.
EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi said the report validates concerns the organisation has raised for over a decade, while cautioning that the actual extent of wetland loss could be even higher.
He called for accountability and concrete intervention rather than policy rhetoric.
The group highlighted the deteriorating condition of key wetlands, including Haigham and Shallabugh, stating that these ecologically significant habitats are under severe stress due to neglect and mismanagement.
It added that the Mirgund wetland, once a thriving ecosystem, has largely turned into grassland in recent years due to lack of water inflow, poor maintenance and staff shortages.
Hokersar, Haigham and Shallabugh-designated under the Ramsar Convention-are also witnessing degradation, raising concerns over India’s compliance with its international obligations.
The group alleged that illegal activities, including soil extraction and reported incidents of open gunfire within Hokersar, reflect weak enforcement on the ground.
According to EPG, wetlands across north and south Kashmir are increasingly being encroached upon and converted into paddy fields, orchards and commercial spaces, leading to significant loss of wetland area and biodiversity.
It cited Narrakara Nambal as a “glaring example,” alleging that the wetland is being converted into a residential and commercial colony in violation of a High Court status quo order.
EPG also questioned the status of compliance with the Supreme Court’s December 2024 directive mandating ground-truthing and demarcation of wetlands, stating that there is no publicly available information on whether encroachments have been removed or reports prepared.
Criticising what it termed an over-reliance on advertisement campaigns, the group said showcasing visuals of migratory birds cannot substitute for conservation work on the ground.
Calling for urgent intervention, EPG urged the government to initiate a time-bound inquiry, fix responsibility, enhance manpower for monitoring, and improve interdepartmental coordination to prevent further loss of wetlands in J&K.
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