'It is an ecologically fragile zone': NGT issues notice to admin over CRPF camp near Dachigam

October 1, 2025 by News Desk

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Jammu Kashmir admin and other respondents over a plea challenging the construction of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalion camp on 1,324 kanals (67 hectares) of land at Brain Nishat in Srinagar.

The area falls within an ecologically sensitive conservation reserve and is adjacent to Dachigam National Park.

The case was heard on Thursday by a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member. “In this Original Application (OA), the applicant has objected to the setting up of the proposed Battalion Camping Site for the 61st, 79th, 117th, and 132nd Battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at 1,324 Kanals of land at Brain, Tehsil Khanyar, District Srinagar,” the tribunal noted.

The petitioners, led by 73-year-old Ghulam Mohiudidin Shah and represented by advocate Saurabh Sharma, alleged multiple environmental violations. They argued that the land “is not only the Applicants’ home and primary source of livelihood but is also an ecologically fragile, environmentally regulated area prohibited for construction under applicable laws and the master plan for the area known as Brain Nishat Conservation Reserve.”

According to the petition, the site lies within the catchment area abutting Dachigam National Park, is designated as a conservation reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is covered by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. “This area is also designated as a buffer zone/green belt area in the Srinagar Master Plan-2035, which prohibits construction activity in this area,” the plea added.

The petitioners raised concerns over biodiversity, highlighting that the area is home to the critically endangered Hangul (Kashmiri stag), the Asiatic Black Bear, and other Schedule-I species. “The construction of the CRPF Base Camp would lead to the felling of numerous trees in the Brain Nishat Conservation Reserve, including protected trees under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969,” the plea said.

Seismic vulnerability is another major concern. The petition notes, “The construction of the CRPF Camp in an area of approximately 1,324 Kanals of land would entail levelling and cutting of the Zabarwan mountain range, which would severely affect the earthquake vulnerability of this area since this area falls within highly active seismic zones 4 and 5.”

The applicants also highlighted potential environmental contamination: “Contamination from heavy metals, hazardous chemicals, and explosives is among the most significant environmental issues within armed forces infrastructure,” the plea said, warning that Dal Lake, just 200 metres from the site, could face permanent damage.

“The applicants say that the security establishments should be set up at a more suitable and less ecologically sensitive location that does not compromise the environmental integrity, public health, and wildlife habitat of the area in question,” the petitioners added, stressing that they do not oppose strengthening security infrastructure.

The NGT has issued notice on both the OA and the interim relief application, directing respondents to file their reply by way of affidavit at least one week before the next hearing. “The applicant is directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing,” the tribunal’s order read.

The matter is listed for November 24, 2025.