National Green Tribunal’s final opportunity to municipal bodies reflects severity of issue
The environmental crisis facing the rivers of Kashmir, particularly Dhoodh Ganga and Mamath Kull, is a pressing issue that demands immediate and decisive action. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted local municipal bodies in Srinagar, Budgam and Chadoora a final opportunity to address the severe pollution plaguing these rivers. The fact that such a critical environmental issue has reached this point—after years of hearings, show-cause notices and substantial fines—highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for systemic reforms in waste management and pollution control.
The root cause of this pollution is multifaceted. Untreated sewage continues to be discharged into the rivers, while improper solid waste disposal exacerbates the problem. Municipalities are responsible for waste management, yet they have failed to implement adequate treatment systems or maintain proper sanitation infrastructure. This negligence not only threatens the health of the local population but also endangers the biodiversity of the region, including the ecosystems that depend on these rivers for sustenance. The lack of a comprehensive waste management system and failure to meet the standards set under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, further underscores the inefficiency of the authorities involved.
To address this crisis effectively, several steps need to be taken. First and foremost, there must be an immediate overhaul of the sewage treatment infrastructure. Municipalities must invest in modern sewage treatment plants (STPs) that meet the required standards for treating both domestic and industrial waste before it is discharged into water bodies. This will require both financial commitment and technical expertise to implement and maintain the plants, as well as public-private partnerships to ensure sustainability.
Apart from treating sewage, there is an urgent need to address the improper disposal of solid waste. Municipalities should implement a comprehensive waste segregation program at the source and establish centralized waste collection and disposal systems. Another key solution lies in the enforcement of stricter regulations and accountability. Local communities must be involved in the process. River cleaning initiatives should not be solely the responsibility of municipal authorities. Public participation—through river clean-up drives, community awareness programs, and local conservation efforts—can play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability of these projects.
The rivers of Kashmir are not just bodies of water; they are lifelines for the region’s people, wildlife, and ecosystems. Preserving these rivers for future generations requires a collaborative effort between the government, municipalities, environmental organizations, and citizens. If meaningful action is taken now, Kashmir can avoid further ecological degradation and restore the health of its precious rivers. Time is running out, but it is not too late to act.
