NGT Seeks Response from Multiple State, Central Agencies Over Ramban Land Sinking

NGT Seeks Response from Multiple State, Central Agencies Over Ramban Land Sinking

VoM News Desk | June 3, 2024 | 03:18 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir, Ramban | Follow on Google News

NGT Seeks Response from Multiple State, Central Agencies Over Ramban Land Sinking

NGT Seeks Response from Multiple State, Central Agencies Over Ramban Land Sinking

 SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo-motto cognizance of reports on land sinking in Pernote, Ramban district, and issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, the Pollution Control Committee, District Magistrate Ramban, and others, Daily Excelsior reported.

They are required to file their responses by September 17, 2024. The NGT cited the Supreme Court’s recognition of its power to take up such matters suo-motto, referencing the case “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Versus Ankita Sinha and Others.”

In addition to the Chief Secretary and J&K Pollution Control Committee, the NGT has also involved the Central Pollution Control Board, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalaya and Environment, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Tribunal has asked these entities to respond one week before the next hearing.

The reports noted significant land sinking in Pernote village, which destroyed over 58 houses and displaced more than 500 people. Infrastructure damage included the disappearance of four transmission towers, a power receiving station, and a major road section linking Gool with Ramban town.

The NGT highlighted that land sinking has been a persistent environmental issue in Jammu and Kashmir, affecting multiple districts.

Experts have attributed the land sinking to human activities, such as haphazard construction, road expansions, and tunnel construction in eco-fragile zones.

The development of buildings and settlements on unconsolidated materials, deforestation, unscientific road construction, and terracing on steep slopes have exacerbated the problem.

The lack of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for these activities has been noted as a significant concern.

The NGT emphasized that Doda and Ramban districts are particularly eco-fragile due to their geoclimatic conditions. The region is prone to natural disasters, with frequent landslides affecting the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

A team from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a survey of the affected area in Pernote and will submit a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The report will suggest measures for sustainable development and precautions to prevent future land subsidence, as well as evaluate the feasibility of habitation and agricultural activities in the area.

VoM News Desk

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