NGT Team Inspects Mining Sites in Pulwama, Budgam Amid Environmental Concerns
Srinagar, April 8, KNT: A team constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has inspected earth mining sites in the Zadoora area of Pulwama and Kultreh in Chadoora, Budgam, following allegations of environmental degradation and soil damage in the Kashmir Valley.
The inspection was carried out after environmentalists approached the NGT and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, alleging large-scale extraction of soil and sand and damage to the fragile karewa landscape.
Officials said the team visited the sites to assess the extent of environmental impact caused by mining activities, which have been flagged for degrading soil quality and altering natural landforms.
Environmentalists, including Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, had raised concerns that a company based outside Jammu and Kashmir was involved in excessive extraction of natural resources, leading to visible damage to the landscape.
He alleged that such activities have disfigured parts of the Valley and called for strict regulatory action and restoration of affected areas through proper landscaping.
Â
National Green Tribunal (NGT) — Key Facts
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body in India established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
The tribunal has the authority to hear cases involving environmental violations, including pollution, illegal mining, deforestation, and ecological damage. It can pass orders for compensation, restoration of damaged environments, and enforcement of environmental laws.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the NGT also operates zonal benches across the country to ensure wider accessibility. It functions with a combination of judicial members and expert members with environmental knowledge.
The NGT aims to provide speedy environmental justice and is mandated to dispose of cases, as far as possible, within six months of filing. Its orders are binding and enforceable, with appeals lying before the Supreme Court of India.
Â
The NGT team was accompanied by Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama and Budgam, who coordinated with the visiting officials during the inspection process.
Environmental experts expressed hope that the findings of the inspection would lead to accountability and corrective measures, including possible restrictions on mining activities in ecologically sensitive karewa zones.
They said there is a need for restoration of damaged sites and enforcement of environmental safeguards to prevent further degradation.
Further action is expected based on the report of the inspection team. [KNT]
