Srinagar, Sep 12, KNT: The latest demolition drive at Brari Nambal has raised questions among local residents and observers over the manner in which landfilling and alleged encroachment are being monitored at the sensitive waterbody area, with questions being raised about how fresh filling was allowed to continue before action was taken after the site was reportedly occupied by car dealers.
According to local accounts, landfilling activity was allowed at the site for around 15 days before the filled-up portion was subsequently occupied by car dealers. The structure or occupation was demolished by the authorities on Saturday, bringing renewed attention to the manner in which encroachments and unauthorized landfilling are being dealt with at Brari Nambal.
The developments have particularly raised questions because an office of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) is located in the vicinity. Locals who talked to the news agency Kashmir News Trust questioned how landfilling could continue for several days in an area under the jurisdiction and monitoring of agencies responsible for the protection and conservation of water bodies.
Locals said the issue was not merely about the demolition carried out on Saturday but about the circumstances that allegedly allowed the landfilling to take place in the first instance. They questioned whether action should not have been taken at the stage when the filling material was being dumped, rather than after the land had allegedly been occupied and put to commercial use.
Brari Nambal, located in the heart of Srinagar, has repeatedly faced concerns over encroachment, dumping and unauthorized alterations to its surroundings. Locals say the continued pressure on the waterbody reflects the larger challenge of protecting Srinagar’s remaining wetlands and water channels from gradual encroachment.
The latest episode has also revived concerns over the alleged commercial exploitation of land created through filling. Locals said portions of the area can become vulnerable to occupation once landfilling is allowed to continue unchecked, making subsequent enforcement more difficult.
Locals have called for a clear explanation from the concerned authorities regarding the reported 15-day period during which landfilling allegedly continued. They have also sought details about whether any permission had been granted for the activity, who was responsible for monitoring the site and what action, if any, was taken when the filling first began.
Questions have also been raised over whether the demolition of the occupation should be accompanied by measures to restore the affected portion and prevent further filling or encroachment at the site.
Environmental and waterbody protection, residents said, cannot be limited to demolition drives after an encroachment has taken shape. They urged the authorities to strengthen surveillance and take preventive action against dumping, filling and construction before such activities result in permanent alteration of the waterbody.
The residents also demanded that the authorities identify those responsible for the alleged landfilling and establish whether any permissions or official clearances were obtained for the activity. [KNT]
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