JKHC calls for steps to check pollution of Dal, water bodies

Srinagar, July 13 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has expressed serious concern over the dumping of polythene in famed Dal and other lakes, and directed the authorities to immediately stop pollution of all water bodies.

A division bench, comprising Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakroo and Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir, observed that its directions passed in 2002 make it obligatory upon the state and its functionaries to prohibit littering of polythene in and around the water bodies.

''The directions await obedience. Justifying the inaction, it is stated in the status report that the government is contemplating to enact a law on the subject. Let us hope and trust that the state will accelerate steps to bring into the law. Nevertheless, the compliance of court directions envisaging protection of natural resources cannot be made to wait the enactment,'' the court said.

It said the functionaries concerned should take appropriate steps to prevent littering of polythene in and around the Dal Lake and other water bodies. ''Violation, if any, should be dealt with by officials,'' the Court directed.

In case of any violation, the bench directed the authorities concerned to inform it about the action taken. ''The functionaries should take immediate steps to make the water bodies free from polythene menace. Any lapses should be at the risk and peril of the official concerned,'' it added.

The counsel for the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Bashir Ahmad Khan, submitted before the court that the sanitation by laws providing for action against littering of polythene bags into water bodies await the government approval.

On this, the court directed the government to take requisite steps and file a report within a week in this regard. ''The directions providing for conversion and restoration of landmass into water bodies is not complied with in its letter and spirit despite lapse of several years,'' the bench added.

It said the directions have been reiterated and the authorities should ensure compliance without further delay and report to the court by the next date of hearing.

UNI