Srinagar, Oct 2: The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) has raised concerns over the increasing pressure on Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile environment, particularly water resources, in the name of development.
A GCC delegation led by its chairman and former Advisor to the J&K Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, presented its policy paper, “Srinagar Declaration on Natural Environment in Jammu & Kashmir”, to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo during a meeting here on Thursday.
The group sought an expert appraisal of amendments made to the Urban Building Byelaws over the past two years, as well as the newly notified land pool policy, saying these should be assessed in the context of protecting the region’s environment, heritage and culture.
The GCC also objected to the identification of a flood basin in Nowgam for an industrial estate, saying it was contrary to the Srinagar Master Plan, and demanded that the proposal be shelved.
Among other issues, the group called for a review of the freeze on teacher recruitment, filling vacancies of doctors and specialists in the Health Services Department and faculty posts in government medical and dental colleges.
It also sought integration of City Mobility Plans with proposed flyover projects, better traffic management, widening of city roads and removal of bottlenecks.
The GCC further called for assigning the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) responsibility for the conservation of Anchar Lake and neglected lagoons, protection of heritage sites and re-integration of city channels, including Kuta Khol, Chuent Khol and Sons Khol, into flood mitigation plans.
The group also raised the issue of the unused GB Pant Hospital infrastructure, which it said had remained unutilised for four years.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the GCC’s efforts to highlight public concerns and grievances and assured appropriate action on the issues raised.
Administrative secretaries and senior officials from the concerned departments also attended the meeting.
