The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has taken a significant step by issuing a notice to the JK admin, signaling concerns over apparent violations of environmental norms in the construction of the Handwara-Bangus road.
Rasikh Rasool Bhat, the Original Applicant and a Rights’ Activist cum lawyer, shared insights into the Tribunal’s response to his plea, emphasizing the absence of ‘Environmental Clearance’ (EC) on the dedicated portal PARIVESH (Pro-active Responsive Facilitation By Interactive & Virtuous Environmental Hub).
Additionally, he raised alarms about large-scale mineral (gravel) extraction taking place in the Bakiaker-Zachaldara stream, a clear breach of environmental norms.
The NGT, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and assisted by expert members D.A Senthil Cel & Dr. Afroz Ahmad, acknowledged the gravity of the situation
According to Bhat, the NGT observed that there are substantial issues related to the compliance of environmental norms.
The ongoing activities, including gravel extraction and construction work, have reportedly caused, or are likely to cause, damage to various water bodies and public and private properties in the area.
The core issue revolves around the execution of the Handwara-Bangus road project, a state highway, in the Rajwar Forest Area of Kupwara District.
The NGT order highlighted allegations that more than 25,000 lush green forest trees were cut or uprooted, extensive blasting of mountains occurred, and over 14 hectares of forest land were being utilized for road construction. These activities, as per NGT, were undertaken without obtaining the mandatory Environmental Clearance.
Bhat, in his Original Application (OA) to the NGT, questioned the rationale behind constructing a new road via the Rajwar Forest when an existing route through Rajwar Locality to Bangus Valley was already available. He raised concerns about the overall environmental impact in the Rajwar Area and the purported wastage of Indian taxpayers’ money under the Central Road Fund (CRF).
The NGT order specifically addressed Bhat’s queries regarding the authorities allowing and extracting minerals at Dhobi Ghat Zachaldara within a 400-meter radius of two vital bridges, employing heavy excavators at depths exceeding 3 meters.
As a result of the NGT’s intervention, notices have been issued to the respondents, and the NGT has directed Bhat to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next scheduled hearing on April 25, 2024. The case underscores the significance of adhering to environmental norms and raises pertinent questions about the necessity and environmental implications of infrastructure projects in the region.