Jammu, Apr 09:Inadequacies in institutional arrangements for the discharge of environmental functions related to lakes, lack of cross-sectoral institutional convergence, monitoring and evaluation in the Union Territory are due to the absence of a Centralised Development and Regulatory Authority and specific legal statute or Act for conservation and management of lakes in J&K.

Although several legislations enacted for protection of environment which included provision for conservation and management of lakes, no authority with regulatory backing was established to restore, preserve and protect lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, observed the performance audit of “conservation and management of lakes in J&K” by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

A draft bill was prepared in April 2000 by J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority to establish a “Development and Regulatory Authority for Conservation and Management of Lakes.”

Due to the indifferent approach of the Government of J&K, the proposed legislation could not be approved as of March 2022 despite lapse of over 22 years since preparation of bill, pointed out the report of the Comptroller and the Auditor General of India on “Conservation and management of lakes in J&K” for the period ended March 2022.

“Given the absence of a lake specific Centralised Development and Regulatory Authority and specific legal statute or Act, there were diffused functions across various institutions, inadequacies in institutional arrangements for discharge of environmental functions related to lakes, lack of cross-sectoral institutional convergence, monitoring or evaluation and absence of lake generic management activities related to conservation of lakes,” the audit mentioned.

Flagging lack of institutional arrangements for discharge of environmental functions related to lakes, the audit noted with concern that the departments and authorities had fragmented mandate and responsibilities and had failed to fully comply with the entrusted mandate.

Nine institutions, the report mentioned, were assigned different functions related to environmental issues including those related to lakes.

Out of these nine institutions, six were falling under the administrative control of the Forest department which had a major role in discharging functions relating to conservation and management of lakes. Audit noticed inadequacies in discharge of specific functions by these institutions as well.

The Government of J&K assigned the Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing Department (EE&RSD) in October 1989 to conduct a detailed survey of lakes, study their physical, chemical and biological dynamics and on the basis of the data so collected, prepare detailed plans for development and monitoring of each lake.

However, EE&RSD had not carried out a detailed survey of lakes due to which physical, chemical and biological dynamics of lakes were not available for preparing development plans for these lakes. Plans were prepared by the respective departments or Authorities (to which these lakes were transferred) only in respect of six lakes i.e., Dal, Wular, Hokersar, Surinsar, Mansar and Manasbal, the audit pointed out.

EE&RSD in its reply to CAG, in February 2021, stated that it was deficient in technical manpower such as environmental and hydrological engineers, ecologist, limnologists, biologists, remote sensing and GIS specialist, although proposals for requirement of manpower resources were submitted to the Forest Department time and again (latest in August 2019).

EE&RSD further stated that they did not have a laboratory and technical wing for devising strategy for planned development and maintenance of lakes.

“The fact remained that J&K Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department had failed to carry out a detailed survey of 697 lakes and hence physical, chemical and biological dynamics of lakes were not available for preparing development plans for these lakes,” the CAG observed.

Censuring the functioning of the J&K Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), the report mentioned that no comprehensive conservation and management programme or plan was prepared for 255 lakes falling under its (PCCF) jurisdiction, although Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for other forest management works were prepared and executed.

Out of 255 lakes under the jurisdiction of PCCF, 441.05 hectares of area of 178 lakes had decreased or disappeared (including five test-checked lakes by audit with an area of 121.12 hectares).

The decreased area included an area of 80 disappeared lakes which had an area of 217.85 hectares (including one lake test-checked by audit with an area of 90.96 hectares).

Audit pointed out that the Divisional Forest Officers of Lidder, Kulgam, Mahore and Bhaderwah divisions in their replies in February 2021 stated that the Forest Department did not have clear responsibility for conservation and management of lakes and that due to lack of technical and scientific manpower and laboratory, the conservation and management of lakes could not be carried out.

“The fact remains that the 255 Lakes were under the jurisdiction of PCCF and no comprehensive conservation and management programme had been formulated for conservation of these lakes,” the CAG report noted.

Similarly, in the case of the Wildlife Protection Department (WPD), the audit mentioned that there was no comprehensive conservation and management programme or plans for 39 lakes under its (WPD’s) jurisdiction.

Although APOs prepared and executed for management and habitat improvement of wildlife in protected areas included activity plans in respect of lakes, the works executed as per APOs were not based on thorough survey and did not address the root causes of degradation of lakes, it was noted.

As a result, there was a decrease of 156.78 hectares in 20 lakes (which included four lakes test-checked by audit) having an area of 132.76 hectares i.e., 85 percent of total area of these lakes.

Audit, however, observed that WPD had carried out lake management activity plans such as survey, demarcation, desilting, de-weeding and plugging of breaches in respect of three lakes such as Hokersar, Surinsar and Mansar.

“WPD, in October 2022, stated that as 53 high altitude lakes were free from human pressures, they do not require any kind of intervention, management or restoration. The reply does not address the fact that all the lakes in J&K are high altitude lakes as per the National Wetland Atlas. Also, the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) do not prescribe that conservation and management is not needed for high altitude lakes,” the CAG report stated censuring WPD.

Further, it pointed out, “Although lakes in protected areas are free from anthropogenic pressures, they may be facing problems of siltation and issues relating to water sources. As such, they also require conservation and management efforts.”

In a telling example of bureaucratic inertia, a simple public grievance has remained unresolved at Khoja Bagh area of Baramulla district for the last more than five months.

A resident of Khoja Bagh Baramulla last year submitted a grievance in the Power Development Department (PDD) requesting the authorities to relocate the defunct transformer installed outside his house.

Since then, the complainant is being forced to run from the pillar to post while the issue remain unresolved despite the officials issuing around five communications from one chair to another.

The aggrieved resident approached the Power Development Department (PDD), seeking removal or relocation of the unused transformer to facilitate the construction of a gate for entry and exit to his residence.

“But despite repeated follow ups, the department is yet to shift the defunct transformer,” said Tariq Ahmad, the complainant. The transformer was installed outside his house when the PDD department was installing wired-electricity cables in the residential area. “The transformer outside my house was not made functional following which I requested the department, including the ground staff to shift it from the spot,” he said.

From December 2025 to February 2026, the officials in Kashmir Power Development Corporation (KPDCL) in Baramulla and Sopore have issued five communications regarding the issue. “The officers passed the buck and only issued communication to other officers all these months,” he said. On December 16 of 2025, the Executive Engineer Electric Division Baramulla wrote to the Superintending Engineer  KPDCL circle Sopore stating that a defunct 63kv transformer was lying at the gate space of the consumer at Khoja Bagh. “The said DT has remained non-functional since its inception and is now obstructing the consumer, who intends to construct a gate for his premises at the same location,” the official communication reads. “In view of the above circumstances, permission is solicited for handover of the said defunct 63KVA DT at the divisional stores for proper accounting and disposal, as per norms,” it reads. In wake of this, the executive engineer electric KPDCL division Baramulla on January 7 of 2026 was asked to furnish the handover and takeover of the DT in the first instance. “I am directed to request you to furnish the handover and takeover of the DT,” reads an official communication issued by technical officer of Superintending Engineer KPDCL circle Sopore.

After a passage of one month, another communication was issued on February 2 of 20926, from office of the executive engineer to Superintending Engineer KPDCL, circle Sopore. “It is submitted that no handover take over has been affected so far in respect of the defunct 63KV Distribution Transformer (DT) in question. The said DT has been lying defunct for the past five years. As such permission is requested for lifting and shifting of the same to the divisional stores for further necessary action, as per rules,” the official communication reads. A week later another official communication was submitted to the Superintending Engineer (SE) Projects north circle where in SE Soproe circle stated that the said DT has not been taken over by the O and M division concerned from the projects.

“Hence this infra does not belong to distribution KPDCL. This office is not in position to re-locate or dismantling of the said DT as it not owned by this wing, and does not form part of its inventory/assets,” reads a communication signed by SE KPDCL circle Sopore.

After a passage of six days, another communication was issued by SE KPDCL project circle north directing the Executive engineer, project division Baramulla to coordinate with the O&M division Bramulla with regard to the matter. “A detailed report should be submitted to this office at the earliest,” the document reads.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday issued a strong warning over the rapid degradation of water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that unchecked urbanisation, mounting land pressures, and climate change had together triggered an alarming ecological decline.

His remarks come in the backdrop of a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which has revealed that 315 water bodies and lakes have disappeared, while another 205 shrunk significantly in J&K, figures that underline the scale of environmental stress facing the region.

Responding to the report, CM Omar said the crisis was neither new nor surprising, asserting that people across J&K were already witnessing these changes in their daily lives.

“I am amazed that this subject has become a topic of discussion because CAG has talked about it. We see it. We are living this. Whether it is our water bodies in and around Srinagar, or our water bodies in rural areas, either those water bodies have ceased to exist or they have shrunk. They have shrunk because of urbanisation. They have shrunk because of pressures on the land. They have also shrunk because of climate change. So while some of these things are within our control, some of these things are a fallout of a wider problem,” he said.

The CM emphasised that while factors like global climate change might be beyond immediate local control, a significant portion of the damage was directly linked to human activity, including unplanned urban expansion, encroachments, and changing land-use patterns.

Stressing the urgency of corrective measures, he called for a shift in both governance approach and public behaviour, making it clear that environmental protection cannot be left to the government alone.

“But yes, I think we need to be more conscious of the environmental damage that we are doing. And this is not just the responsibility of the government. I think it will take a collective responsibility of all of us who live in Jammu and Kashmir. Is this the sort of Jammu and Kashmir that we want to hand over to our children and grandchildren? And if it isn’t, then what can we do to be more conscious of how we protect the environment?” CM Omar said.

In a pointed remark on lifestyle choices contributing to environmental stress, he flagged the widespread use of plastic bags, questioning the lack of individual responsibility.

“Why don’t we use less plastic bags? I mean, is it going to take a government order banning the use of plastic bags completely for us to wake up to this problem? As a concerned citizen, what stops me from carrying a bag from my house to bring my shopping home in? Why do I have to take a plastic bag from the shops? But if what it takes is the government to be more heavy-handed, then unfortunately, that is the direction in which we are heading. But I hope before that, as a society, we can do collectively something to address this problem,” the CM said.

His remarks assume significance amid growing concerns among environmentalists over the degradation of key wetlands and water bodies in Kashmir, many of which are facing encroachment, pollution, and shrinking catchment areas due to rapid urbanisation.

On the legislative front, CM Omar also raised questions regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, asking the Centre to clarify why a new bill was introduced when a similar legislation had already been passed earlier by Parliament.

“First and foremost, it needs to be explained why a new bill is needed for a bill that had already been passed. Nobody is answering that question. We are all for women’s reservation. But, if I understand correctly, we had been told that women’s reservation would follow the Census and the delimitation. What has changed?” he said.

The CM pointed out that the earlier bill was introduced by the same government, suggesting that there should be transparency regarding the shift in approach and the reasons behind revisiting the legislation.

Touching upon local governance, he said that elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jammu and Kashmir would be held at an “appropriate” time, without committing to a specific schedule.

In his remarks on international developments, CM Omar spoke about the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging Washington to play a more responsible role in ensuring that the truce holds.

“The US should exert some control over Israel. The way they are conducting indiscriminate bombing campaigns in Lebanon and the manner in which innocent lives are being taken there, how can a ceasefire possibly hold?” he said.

The CM cautioned that any breakdown of the ceasefire would be attributable to Israel’s actions, rather than Iran or other stakeholders.

“The ceasefire is a welcome initiative, but if it fails, the blame will be solely on Israel. It will not be the fault of Iran or anyone else. So, the US should exert some restraint over Israel,” he said.

Referring to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, CM Omar criticised the inconsistency and tone of his remarks.

“He (Trump) says one thing in the morning, another thing in the afternoon and the third one in the evening. The language that he uses is unbecoming of anyone, let alone the US president. He ought to remind himself that he holds the office of the US president,” he said.

The CM also remarked on the broader strategic narrative emerging after the ceasefire, questioning claims of success and asking what tangible outcomes had been achieved.

“It was not Iran that initiated this war. The war was thrust upon Iran. First, tell us what was the actual objective of this war? After the ceasefire, the US has claimed a monumental victory, citing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But, the Strait was already open prior to the war and it was accessible to everyone, free of charge,” he said.

CM Omar said that Iran, in the aftermath of the conflict, had imposed a toll on passage through the Strait, raising questions about the real gains of the war.

He said after the war, Iran seized the opportunity to impose a toll tax for passing through the Strait. So, what exactly has been achieved?

On the diplomatic front, the CM acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire, stating that it had succeeded where others had not, while also reflecting on India’s position.

“I won’t go into whether it was a failure or a success, but we have to accept that Pakistan did what others couldn’t. I personally believe that our relations with Israel have become a bit of a weakness. Because, as I said, only Israel wants this war,” he said.

CM Omar said that India’s close ties with Israel may have constrained its ability to play a mediatory role in the conflict.

“I think, and this is my personal opinion, that we couldn’t play this role because our relations with Israel are too close. Now, the ceasefire that happened was good; if Pakistan played a role in it, then so be it,” he said.

Srinagar, Apr 09: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a Panchayat Secretary in Kulgam after catching him red-handed while accepting a Rs 5,000 bribe for clearing MGNREGA labour bills, officials said.

According to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the J&K Anti Corrupting Bureau received a written complaint to the effect that Panchayat Secretary (VLW) of Block Devsar Kulgam namely Shiekh Zada Irfan S/O Shiekh AB Rashid R/O Muniwara District Anantnag is demanding a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant for clearing of Bills on account of labour charges of MGNREGA works carried out by him, which was negotiated and finally settled at Rs 5000.

He said the complainant chose not to pay bribe and instead approached P/S Anti Corruption Bureau for taking legal action against the said Panchayat Secretary (VLW) as envisaged under law.

“On receipt of the complaint, a discreet verification was conducted which confirmed the demand by the said Govt. employee and accordingly Case FIR No. 04/2026 u/s 7 of P/C Act 1988 read with amendment Act-2018 was registered in PS ACB Anantnag and investigation was taken up,” said the spokesperson.

He said, during the course of investigation a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the said Govt. employee red handed while demanding and accepting bribe. He was arrested on spot and bribe amount was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team.

“Subsequently, search of residential house of the accused Govt. employee was carried out in presence of Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses. Further investigation of the instant case is going on,” said the spokesperson.