Srinagar, Jul 10 (KNO): In a significant development, the environment committee of J&K Assembly on Friday sought removal of illegal encroachments from water bodies in Srinagar and also asked the Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) to submit an action taken report over it within one month.
Sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the Assembly secretariat, on directions of the committee, has written to the vice-chairman LCMA today to take immediate action in the matter in accordance with the applicable statutory provisions.
It has also asked the LCMA to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) against removal of encroachments to the Assembly secretariat within a period of one month.
The ATR shall indicate the extent of illegal encroachment, unauthorised filling, constructions and other violations affecting Anchar lake, Khushal Sar, Achan Lake and associated water bodies.
It shall also contain the action initiated or proposed against the violators and the measures undertaken for removal of encroachments and prevention of further violations.
The move comes after the committee, during its visit on July 03, found that these eco-sensitive water bodies have been subjected to illegal encroachment, unauthorised land filling, and unauthorised constructions.
The committee expressed deep concern over degradation of water bodies and directed the administrative secretary, Housing & Urban Development, to initiate immediate action in accordance with the provisions of the applicable law, rules and regulations for protection and preservation of water bodies—(KNO)