Sir,
This refers to article Save Wetlands of Pampore(DE July 8th). I am surprised that J&K Wildlife Conservation Department which is the caretaker of most of our wetlands is not doing its job efficiently and professionally. If Good Samaritans come forward through their activism and involve judiciary at highest level for ensuring protection and conservation of our wetlands, it is the duty of authorities at the helm of affairs to provide them all necessary technical assistance. I was shocked to read that inspite of filing a petition before National Green Tribunal (NGT) New Delhi , the petitioner Dr Raja MuzaffarBhat who is author of the article is not supported by Wildlife Department at all. He has been requesting them to accompany him to various wetlands but the officers are least bothered to even travel some kilometers outside their offices and mansions. Our Forest and Wildlife department officers seem to be accountable to nobody and even the Governor said few days back how some top forest officers have amassed huge wealth and build mansions in Jammu Srinagar and Delhi. This is the time to take these corrupt officers to task.
I appeal the Governor , his Advisor K Vijay Kumar, Commissioner / Secretary Forests and Environment plus Chief Wildlife Warden to take immediate cognizance of pathetic condition of our wetlands. They must look into the facts how wetland in Pampore, Hokersar and Wullar were encroached. Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama , Budgam, Srinagar and Bandipora also need to act
Mushtaq Ahmad
Budgam, Kashmir
II
Sir,
This refers to oped Save Wetlands of Pampore. It is not only wetlands of Pampore which are under threat but all the wetlands from Kathua to Kupwara are under constant threat and many have even vanished. Wetlands are the lungs of earth and they are natural channels that absorb the excessive rainwater. Due to their encroachment we are now witnessing floods and water logging soon after two of three day constant rains. Ironically many wetlands have been earth filled and roads made through it like in case of Pampore wetland. Govt officers especially officials from Irrigation , Rural development department and Wildlife protection who allowed this destruction should be identified and prosecuted. Srinagar Municipality contractors and sanitation workers are also using local wetlands to dump municipal garbage and other solid waste. Same is the situation in other towns like Sopore, Bandipora and Kulgam. Local lakes and rivers are used to dump municipal waste. This is a criminal act that has to be stopped at any cost
B A Bhat (Advocate)
Srinagar
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