Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding rising pollution in the Vishaw stream, a tributary of the river Jhelum due to illegal mining, Jammu & Kashmir, 23/04/2025 – India Environment Portal

Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding rising pollution in the Vishaw stream, a tributary of the river Jhelum due to illegal mining, Jammu & Kashmir, 23/04/2025

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News Item titled “Vishaw stream gasps for breath amid mining pollution” appearing in Greater Kashmir dated 16.12.2024 dated 23/04/2025.

In the original application, registered suo motu, the tribunal is examining the grievance of a deteriorating trout population in the Vishaw stream, a tributary of the river Jhelum, due to rising pollution and unregulated mining activities.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has filed the report dated April 21, 2025 enclosing the inspection report of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&KPCC) disclosing the status and impact of illegal mining of Vishaw stream. The report said that in district Kulgam, 19 mineral blocks are found operating along the Vishow river. Out of 19 mineral blocks, 11 mineral blocks are operating without valid consent under Air Act, 1981 and Water Act 1974 from Jammu & Kashmir Control Committee.

Mining operations were found in operation in most of the minor mineral blocks. JCBs, Tippers and Tractors were found in use for extraction of boulders etc from the leased mining areas. No demarcation boundary has been made/provided in the leased mining area. The river bed where mining is occurring has been observed with presence of large heaps/mounds of mineral and pits/trenches are also observed in the river bed where mining is in operation. The heaps of boulders were found disrupting the natural flow of water and also has changed the route of natural water at many places particularly at Block 14,15 25,20 &26 near the bridge.

The report said that “illegal and unscientific mining is occurring which is detrimental to the health of the river ecosystem particularly disrupting the natural flow and course of water that creates unsuitable condition for the growth of aquatic fauna.”

The report also revealed that samples were collected from the Vishaw stream at different locations. The sample analysis in the lower course of the stream, i.e., Kudwan (near bridge) and Niyana, in terms of total and faecal coliforms, is found to be comparatively inferior than the upstream, which can be attributed to the addition of agricultural runoff, untreated wastewater, and solid waste to the water body.

The Member Secretary, J&KPCC submits that though the reply has been filed yesterday, taking into account the inspection report of Member Secretary, J&KPCC noted above, a fresh action taken report will be filed. The NGT directed the Member Secretary, J&KPCC to examine if these 19 mineral blocks are operating with proper environmental clearance and by duly following the environmental norms. The next report should also make the disclosure about their environmental compliance also. 

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}