SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and other respondents on a plea challenging the setting up of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalion camping site on 1,324 kanals (67 hectares) of land at Brein Nishat in Srinagar. The petition argues that the land falls within an ecologically sensitive conservation reserve and is legally prohibited for construction, reports appearing in the media said.
A bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, heard the matter on Thursday. The case has been filed by 73-year-old Ghulam Mohiudidin Shah and others, represented by advocate Saurabh Sharma. The applicants have objected to the proposed camping site for the 61st, 79th, 117th, and 132nd CRPF battalions at Brein in Tehsil Khanyar, Srinagar district.
The plea contends that the site is not only the home and livelihood source of the petitioners but also lies within the Brein Nishat Conservation Reserve. It states that the area falls within the catchment of the Dachigam National Park, is notified as a conservation reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and comes under the ambit of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Srinagar Master Plan 2035 designates it as a buffer zone and green belt where construction is prohibited.
Raising concerns about ecological damage, the petitioners said the area provides habitat to the critically endangered Hangul (Kashmiri stag), the Asiatic Black Bear, and other Schedule-I species. They alleged that the project would involve felling numerous trees, including species protected under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969.
The plea also flagged seismic risks. “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 it falls within highly active seismic zones 4 and 5,” the petition stated.
Another concern raised was the risk of pollution from military infrastructure. The applicants said contamination from heavy metals, hazardous chemicals, and explosives could affect the environment, with Dal Lake—barely 200 metres away—particularly vulnerable to permanent damage.
The petitioners clarified that they do not oppose security infrastructure but insisted that it be located in a less ecologically sensitive area to avoid damage to the environment, public health, and wildlife.
After hearing the matter, the tribunal issued notice both on the original application and the interim relief plea, directing the respondents to file their replies by way of affidavit at least one week before the next hearing. The applicant has also been directed to serve notice to the respondents and submit an affidavit of service.
The case has been listed for November 24, 2025.
