National Green Tribunal Orders Inquiry into Pollution in Manasbal Lake
By Syed Sammar Mehdi
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has recently taken action to address the alarming pollution levels in Manasbal Lake, located in Ganderbal district. The tribunal has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the water quality of the lake and identify the sources of contamination.
Environmental and RTI activist, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, filed the case, expressing concerns about the pollution and encroachment in the notified wetland. The tribunal, led by Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member Dr. Senthil Vel, scheduled a hearing on January 30, 2026, to address the issue.
During the hearing, advocates Rahul Chowdhary and Shreepuna Dasgupta highlighted the significant amount of sewage and solid waste being dumped into the lake and its surrounding wetland areas. They emphasized the severe pollution caused by this waste entering through the Lar canal and nearby villages.
One concerning revelation brought to light was the fact that the Jal Shakti Department’s public health engineering wing draws water from the polluted lake to supply to nearly 30,000 people in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts for drinking purposes.
In response to the petition and arguments presented, the bench not only instructed the CPCB and J&K pollution panel to investigate but also issued notices to various government authorities, including the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Jal Shakti Department, and local officials responsible for rural sanitation in the area.
The tribunal’s order emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The Respondent No. 2, CPCB, and Respondent No. 3, J&K PCC, are directed to ascertain the status of water quality of the wetland in question and also find out the sources of discharge of pollutants in this wetland and submit the status and action taken report at least one week before the next date of hearing.”
Dr. Bhat expressed gratitude towards the tribunal for addressing the public health concern posed by pollution in Manasbal Lake. He also acknowledged the support received from his lawyers, Rahul Chowdhary and Shreepuna Dasgupta, as well as the Social Concern Group of Manasbal Safapora for providing detailed information on the pollution issue.
The case is set to be reviewed again on April 22, 2026, with hopes for significant progress in addressing the pollution in Manasbal Lake and safeguarding the health of the local communities reliant on its water source.
