INTACH concerned over Army's vandalism of Kashmir glacier

Srinagar, Aug 28 (UNI) The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has expressed serious concern over the construction of toilets by the Army on the banks of river Sindh, the largest fresh water resource for Kashmir fed by the glaciers, in the tourist resort of Sonamarg, about 86 km from here.

INTACH, a non-profit membership organisation, was set up in 1984 to protect and conserve India's vast natural and cultural heritage.

INTACH-Jammu and Kashmir Chapter Convenor M Saleem Beg has shot two letters -- one to Srinagar-based XV Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, General Officer-in-Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen A S Sekhon and the other to Chief Secretary C Phunsog -- drawing their attention to this ''grave instance of vandalism'' by the Army in Sonamarg.

In his letter to Gen Sekhon on August 20, Mr Beg said he was shocked to see that the Army had constructed about 30 toilets just on the banks of river Indus (Sindh), a matter of grave environmental and ecological concern. River Sindh is the largest fresh water resource for Kashmir fed by the glaciers.

The toilets have been constructed at Neel Gradh, the nearest village where the glacial waters form the stream. There were also other structures of the Army on the banks of the river in Sonamarg area whose function and use were unknown as these could not be accessed, he said.

''You would be aware that the fresh water resource is the most precious and treasured natural resource. You would also have noticed the campaigns launched globally for preservation of natural resources especially the fresh and clean waters. Over and above this, the glacial waters are treated all over the world as the most pristine and precious gift of nature,'' Mr Beg added.

The INTACH Convenor said the depleting natural resources have become a major cause of concern for the world while India has been taking a leading role in international forums seeking stringent laws on conservation and protection of natural water resources.

The world is now debating inclusion of right to preserve water resources as global fundamental right, giving it precedence over human rights, he said, adding glacial waters were not just the property of the state, but natural assets and belong to the global community.

''There are judgments from the Supreme Court and at least one judgment from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court last year whereby all human activity within 100 mt of water bodies have been banned.'' Mr Beg said the toilets on the river Sindh have become major pollutants of glacial waters and need to be removed at the earliest.

''I have a firm belief that as a first option if such grave vandalism is brought to the notice of senior functionaries there is every possibility that such violations are checked. I hope we can set an example by not resorting to public interest litigation for correcting such wrongs,'' he added.

He said the Army being the most visible and responsible institution should rise to the occasion by removing these toilets.

In another letter to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary on August 21, Mr Beg drew his attention to the same issue.

He also sought Mr Phunsog's intervention in relocating a kennel breeding farm set up downstream below Sonamarg, again on the banks of the river. Mr Beg said the liquid waste out of this farm flows directly into the river.

He urged Mr Phunsog to get this farm relocated at least 100 mt away from the riverbanks with proper sewage treatment facilities.

UNI