NGT seeks fresh report on Kashmir wetlands due to missing data
The National Green Tribunal directed the J&KPCC to compare recorded revenue areas with the actual physical extent of Kashmir's wetlands.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&KPCC) to submit an updated report on the condition of wetlands in Kashmir. According to Daily Excelsior, the tribunal found that the previous report lacked crucial information regarding the actual physical extent of these areas.
The NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, noted that while revenue areas were disclosed, the current existing areas were not. The committee must now provide a comparison between these two measurements for every wetland.
The directive follows a hearing regarding the protection of Kashmir's wetlands and the disappearance of lakes in the region. A previous report filed on October 1, 2026, covered 27 wetlands larger than one hectare, but data from the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kupwara was still pending.
Water quality concerns were also highlighted in the findings. In Jammu, none of the three samples met Class B primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing. In Samba, only two of nine samples met the standard, while a sample from Kathua did comply.
In Kupwara, four out of six tested wetlands failed to meet Class B criteria, specifically regarding Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The Rakhi Duslipora wetland in Baramulla also failed to meet standards for BOD and dissolved oxygen.
The J&KPCC has requested details on those responsible for environmental violations to pursue remedial or punitive action. The updated report must be filed at least one day before the next hearing on February 26, 2027.