SrinagarRegretting apathy by stakeholders in environmental degradation of Sonamarg, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday sought report on glaciers, ambient air quality, water as well as manner in which effluents were treated in the golden meadow.
Sonamarg area, is evident has suffered environmental degradation because of apathy on part of stake holders, said a division bench of the high court headed by Chief Justice Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad.
Essentially there are four aspects to the Somamarg area, the high court said, counting its meadow to be first among the facets.
The meadows of Sonamarg reflect the actual nature in the sense that it means golden meadow, the court said.
The second aspect, it said, is the Thajwas glaciers and underlined need for verification as to whether it was receding.
The earth sciences department of Kashmir University is requested to submit comprehensive report, the court said.
The third aspect which the court said requires attention was wild life sanctuary and its forest area. The last and fourth facet, the court said, was Sindh River and emphasized that its often neglected.
In this regard, the court directed States Pollution Control Board to submit a report of water and ambient air quality as well as mechanism about the treatment of effluents and sewage.
Amicus Curie advocate Nadeem Qadri suggested some points on regulations of traffic in Sonamarg and has suggested that nature trails, with proper signages, should be used as track.
The Chief Executive Officer Sonarmarg development Authority, was present have must also report of Environment Impact Assessment report along with Plan.
To save Sonamarg from becoming a concrete jungle, the High Court has already banned till further orders all constructions at the tourist resort.
I have seen situation in Sonmarg. It is alarming as buildings are coming up in meadows. Glaciers are receding and mountains are crumbling which is a major cause of global warming. Forest area in Sonamarg has also been eaten away, the Chief Justice had observed.
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