Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Srijan Raj
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a joint committee to address pollution in Srinagar’s Dal Lake. The committee will ascertain pollution sources, identify responsible parties, and take appropriate remedial and punitive action. The committee will also prepare environmental management guidelines for houseboats.
The Tribunal is hearing a suo motu matter related to the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake caused by municipal sewage and other pollutants.
The proceedings were initiated based on a news article in The Wire titled “The Drowning Jewel – Tapestry of Dal Lake’s Decline and the Fishing Community’s Struggle in Kashmir.” The NGT issued notices to the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&KPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on May 8. The response revealed the unabated flow of untreated domestic water into channels and violation of environmental norms. Untreated sewage flows into Dal Lake from areas like Telbal and Lalbazar, and about 910 houseboats in Dal and Nigeen Lake discharge their wastewater without treatment.
The NGT determined that urgent remedial action is needed to prevent pollutants, including untreated sewage, from entering the lake. The committee will be heard further on December 2, 2024.
