Raja Syed Rather
The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has filed legal complaints against four senior officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for their alleged failure to curb pollution in River Doodhganga.
In a compliance report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the JKPCC highlighted ongoing violations of environmental laws, such as the discharge of untreated sewage and improper solid waste disposal, which continue to threaten the river’s health and surrounding ecosystem.
The report, submitted in response to the NGT’s October 2024 directives, reveals that despite efforts to tackle pollution, untreated sewage discharge and mismanagement of solid waste remain critical issues.
The JKPCC sought updates from the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) and SMC on the progress of sewage treatment plants (STPs), which are key to addressing these concerns.
According to the findings, although UEED has issued a tender for the construction of STPs, delays have hindered progress. These plants are essential for preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into the river, especially in seven wards under the SMC’s jurisdiction.
A significant development noted in the report is the transfer of sewage treatment responsibilities from SMC to UEED. SMC officials clarified that their focus is on stormwater management, leading to the transfer. However, delays in the execution of the project have allowed untreated sewage to continue entering the river.
The report also emphasized violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Despite prior warnings, untreated sewage from dewatering stations continues to flow into Doodhganga, while solid waste dumping along the riverbanks remains a persistent problem, further degrading water quality.
In response to these ongoing failures, the JKPCC has initiated legal action against key officials.
Former SMC Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan is facing action for not establishing necessary sewage treatment infrastructure, while former UEED Chief Engineer Iftikar Ahmad Kakroo is being held responsible for inadequate waste treatment mechanisms.
Additionally, former Executive Officers of the Budgam and Chadoora Municipal Committees, Mohammad Iqbal Bhat and Syed Nayeem Rizvi, are being accused of negligence in managing solid waste and sewage disposal.
The report also noted that, while UEED has initiated a tender for the STP construction, delays due to funding and execution challenges persist. It further highlighted that the four senior municipal officials are being held accountable for their failure to implement effective pollution control measures.
The tribunal has been urged to closely monitor the situation and ensure timely action to address the pollution crisis and hold the responsible officials accountable.
