Srinagar: Residents of Pampore have appealed to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, and Regional Wildlife Warden (RWW) Kashmir not to allow the setting up of any residential colony near NH 44 in the wetland area as the construction in the area has been banned by National Green Tribunal (NGT) & is a clear violation of Wetland Conservation Rules 2017.
“There are four wetlands in Pampore namely Fashkoot, Chatlam, Krentchoo-Chandhara, Maen Bugh. Sources say that out of 178 acres, more than 20 acres have been encroached already. Now some vested interested people are planning to set up a residential colony in the Wetland area. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has already banned any construction or dumping of waste and this is also a violation of Wetland Conservation and Management Rules 2017,” said Tahir Ahmad a local resident of Pampore
The Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Regional Wildlife Warden had filed a detailed report before the NGT and assured that the wetland would be protected. The petition in NGT was filed after the Pampore wetland near Gallander -Awantipura road (NH 44) was being earth-filled by some builders who planned to convert the wetland (nambal) into a residential colony or as a commercial hub in view of its location.
An irrigation canal that was flowing in between Kreentchu –Chandhara wetland has also been encroached on and converted into a motorable road.
“It seems the same group has got active and is planning to set up residential colonies in the area. We appeal to authorities especially Div Comm, DC Pulwama, and Regional Wildlife Warden to take notice of this and make sure that there is no construction on this nambal/wetland and NGTs orders are also respected” said Nazir Ahmad Mir a local resident of Pampore
The revenue extracts of the land is available to reveal that a huge chunk of this wetland is recorded as Abi Awal Nambal is under direct threat from real estate dealers who plan to develop the area by destroying the wetland, paddy fields, and natural habitat of migratory birds.
