SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment has expressed concern over encroachments and pollution at Anchar Lake, directing authorities to remove illegal encroachments, prevent untreated waste discharge and prepare a time-bound conservation plan.
The committee, headed by MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, inspected Anchar Lake and adjoining areas on Thursday to assess conservation measures and identify interventions needed to protect the water body.
During the visit, the committee called for the retrieval of encroached land in accordance with the law and stronger monitoring to prevent further encroachments.
Tarigami directed the Vice-Chairman of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) to submit a detailed report on the extent of encroachments, the status of land retrieval, action taken against violators and measures proposed to prevent fresh encroachments.
The committee also highlighted concerns over pollution, siltation and other pressures affecting the lake’s ecological condition. It called for a comprehensive conservation strategy covering the prevention of untreated sewage and waste discharge, scientific desiltation where required, restoration of natural water channels, protection of catchment areas and regular monitoring of water quality.
As part of the inspection, the committee visited the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) to review hospital waste management and assess potential risks to Anchar Lake.
It stressed that biomedical waste and hospital effluents must be treated and disposed of in accordance with prescribed environmental standards. The committee also called for regular inspections and effective monitoring of effluent treatment and waste management systems to prevent untreated waste from entering water bodies.
The panel emphasised coordination among departments and accountability for addressing deficiencies, calling for measurable action to curb pollution, remove encroachments and restore the lake’s ecological balance.
MLAs Daleep Singh Parihar, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Dr Sajjad Shafi, Salman Sagar, Javaid Reyaz Bedar and Mubarak Gul accompanied the chairman.
Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee Vasu Yadav, Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom and LCMA Vice-Chairman Khurshid Ahmad Shah were also present, along with senior departmental officers.
