Concrete barrier in Beerwah stops fish movement and affects 150 families
Fishermen in the Sukhnag stream claim a bridge structure has blocked fish from swimming upstream for two years.
A concrete structure built beneath the Makhama bridge in Beerwah has prevented fish from swimming upstream, according to the Kashmir Observer. The obstruction has reportedly stopped fishing activities for the past two years, affecting about 150 fishing families from nearly a dozen villages.
Abdul Rashid Waza, a fisherman from Beerwah, said the structure was built by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division to protect the bridge's abutments. Waza alleged that when he raised his voice against the construction, the contractor had him arrested two years ago.
The Jammu and Kashmir Climate Action Group visited Makhama to meet the affected fishermen. Group chairman Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat alleged the R&B Division proceeded without consent from the Fisheries and Flood Control departments.
Dr Bhat said the Fisheries Department had written to the Executive Engineer of R&B Beerwah regarding the matter, but no action was taken for more than 18 months. He also noted that the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Budgam had raised concerns.
The group has requested authorities to construct a fish ladder at Makhama to restore the stream's flow. Dr Bhat alleged the construction violates the National Water Policy and the Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010.
Dr Bhat has appealed to Chief Engineer R&B Central Kashmir Ishfaq Beigh, Budgam Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore, and Jammu and Kashmir Director of Fisheries Abdul Majid Tak to intervene. He stated the group would approach the National Green Tribunal again if authorities fail to act.