EPG welcomes High Court direction on Kashmir flood protection measures
Srinagar, Sep 13: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the Jammu & Kashmir High Court’s directive asking the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by October 28 on recommendations made by EPG in ongoing Public Interest Litigations related to flood prevention in the Valley.
EPG Convenor, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, said the court’s intervention marks a crucial step toward accountability and scientific scrutiny of flood prevention works. “The Valley remains highly vulnerable to floods. Sustainable measures are urgently needed to safeguard lives, property, and ecology,” he said.
On September 7, EPG submitted a comprehensive report that formed part of submissions presented before the court by amicus curiae Advocate Nadeem Qadri and EPG legal counsel Advocate Shafqat Nazir. Based on expert consultations and field observations, the report identifies structural gaps, ecological degradation, and governance deficits that leave Kashmir exposed to flood risks even after the 2014 deluge.
The report stresses the need for independent inspections of temporary and permanent works under flood management projects. It highlights that large public funds have been spent on these works, yet past audits raised serious questions regarding their quality and impact. EPG also sought accountability on the status and timelines of Phases I, II, and III of the flood recovery project and called for clarity on improvements to the Flood Spill Channel (FSC). “The flow-carrying capacity of the River Jhelum, its tributaries, and the FSC must be placed in the public domain to assure real flood preparedness,” the report said.
EPG raised critical questions about the river system’s ability to handle probable floods safely. On environmental concerns, the group called for an end to the discharge of untreated effluents into the Jhelum and its tributaries, insisting that only treated effluents meeting prescribed standards be allowed.
The group also urged the restoration of natural waterways, wetlands, lakes, and interlinkages that historically provided flood absorption and drainage. It emphasised eco-restoration and conservation of Wetland Reserves, including Hokersar, Khushalsar, Hygam, Mirgund, and Pampore, in line with the Integrated Management Action Plan for Wetland Conservation Kashmir (2022–2027).
Bakshi described the court’s directions as a “ray of hope,” calling floods “aggravated man-made crises born of neglect, encroachment, and short-sighted planning.” EPG reaffirmed its commitment to constructive cooperation and expressed confidence that the court’s directive would lead to timely, transparent, and effective action to safeguard Kashmir’s environment and people.
