Short-term permit in Budgam Doodh Ganga violates SC ruling, locals seek PCC intervention
Srinagar, Oct 23: In a move that has raised alarms among environmental activists and residents, authorities in Budgam have issued short-term permits (STP) to lift nallah muck (GSB) from the Doodh Ganga stream in Kralwari and Borwah villages of Chadoora, in apparent violation of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders.
Residents, through Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat — an activist and petitioner in the Doodh Ganga case before the NGT — have approached the Chairman of the J&K Pollution Control Committee (PCC), seeking urgent intervention. The PCC has been designated as the nodal agency in the Doodh Ganga matter by the NGT and was earlier directed to impose environmental compensation on project proponents who had previously used JCBs and L&T cranes in the riverbed.
“In open violation of a Supreme Court order and an existing ban, illegal riverbed mining has resumed under the guise of short-term permits, which were already declared illegal in the Noble M. Paikada vs Union of India judgment delivered on March 21, 2024. The DMO Budgam is committing a criminal act by allowing this work, which is why I have approached JKPCC Chairman Mr Vasu Yadav, who has assured action,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat.
In his written complaint, Dr Bhat stated that the District Mineral Officer (DMO) Budgam and the Assistant Director of the Fisheries Department issued STPs without obtaining the mandatory Environmental Clearance (EC), in direct violation of the Supreme Court ruling. The apex court had clearly held that no mining activity could be permitted without prior EC, rendering such disposal permits invalid.
The NGT had earlier banned mining in Doodh Ganga in March 2024 in IA No. 519, imposing an interim penalty of Rs 15.79 lakh on contractors for illegal extraction. The tribunal had directed the JKPCC to recover the full penalty, which, according to Dr Bhat, has not yet been enforced.
“I requested the PCC chairman to ensure recovery of the pending penalty. Despite a letter from the Assistant Director Fisheries Budgam instructing the DMO to halt the use of heavy machinery in Doodh Ganga, the L&T crane continues to operate. The DMO is misleading higher authorities, including the District Magistrate, by ignoring the Supreme Court judgment,” Dr Bhat added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, in his capacity as Chairman of the Multi-Departmental District Level Task Force Cell, has scheduled a meeting of all members of the task force on October 24 at 11:30 AM. Officials expected to attend include the Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Divisional Forest Officer Pir Panjal Forest Range, Executive Engineer Flood Spill Channel Division Narbal, Mineral Officer Geology & Mining Department Srinagar, and Assistant Regional Transport Officer Budgam.
The meeting is expected to address the ongoing mining activity in Doodh Ganga and ensure compliance with existing environmental laws and Supreme Court directives.
