NGT Directs Action on 256 Encroachments Along River Tawi Floodplains
Jammu, Sept 12: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Jammu district administration and the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) to disclose the full extent of encroachments on the floodplains of the River Tawi, after an official report revealed that 256 encroachers have been identified on just two khasras in Jammu tehsil.
Details of Encroachments
A report filed earlier by the Jammu administration confirmed the presence of 256 encroachers in Khasra Nos. 302 and 303 of Jammu Khas village. However, the report failed to mention any action taken against the violators, even though their names were listed. The NGT bench took serious note of this omission and demanded clarity.
Tribunal’s Observations
The NGT bench, headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Members Dr A Senthil Vel, Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, and Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu to file an affidavit disclosing the total number of encroachers along the Tawi floodplains. The JDA Vice Chairman was also ordered to file a response within six weeks, as the authority had failed to appear before the Tribunal despite notice.
Pollution and Sewage Concerns
The J&K Pollution Control Committee informed the Tribunal that the 30 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Bhagwati Nagar meets most pollution standards but is failing in faecal coliform removal. This means harmful bacteria from untreated sewage continues to flow into the river, posing severe public health risks.
Future Hearing and Deadlines
The NGT has given the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, the Vice Chairman of JDA, and other UT authorities six weeks to file affidavits. The matter will next be heard on November 4, 2025. Additionally, the Tribunal has sought compliance reports on earlier High Court orders restricting construction near the Tawi River.
Environmental Concerns
Known as Jammu’s lifeline, the Tawi River has been under severe stress due to sewage inflows, faecal contamination, and rampant encroachments. Experts warn that unchecked land grabbing and construction on its floodplains could lead to irreversible ecological damage and heighten flood risks, similar to the disasters recently witnessed in the region.
Labels: Environment, River Tawi, NGT, Jammu, Pollution
Tags: #RiverTawi #Encroachment #NGT #JammuEnvironment
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten news summary for informational purposes. Original content credit: Daily Excelsior and official NGT documents.
Post a Comment