Environmentalists urge Prof. Soz to launch movement for protection of Kashmir’s Water Bodies

Delegation Led by Zareef Ahmad Zareef raises concern over encroachments on River Jhelum and other natural assets

Srinagar:A delegation of environmentalists and concerned citizens from Kashmir civil society, led by Zareef Ahmad Zareef, called on senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz at his residence here on Friday and urged him to spearhead a public movement for the protection of Kashmir’s water bodies and other natural assets.The delegation expressed serious concern over the large-scale encroachments on the river Jhelum and other water bodies across the Valley, stating that unchecked urban expansion and illegal constructions were posing a grave threat to Kashmir’s fragile ecological balance.

The delegation included Mrs. Khemlata Wakhloo, Ahmad Ayaz, Prof. Khursheed Mahajan, Prof. G. A. Bhat, Mir Yaqoob, Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan and several other prominent members of civil society.During the interaction, the members highlighted that the river Jhelum, considered the lifeline of Kashmir, has been facing massive encroachments over the years due to unplanned construction activities and lack of effective conservation measures.

They also drew Prof. Soz’s attention towards the alleged encroachment of the historic water body known as “Bhug” in Sopore, claiming that commercial establishments and shops had been constructed over the area, severely impacting the ecological character of the water body.The delegation strongly appealed to Prof. Soz to rise to the occasion and launch a sustained movement for the protection and restoration of Kashmir’s rivers, lakes and wetlands, warning that continued neglect could lead to serious environmental consequences for future generations.

Responding to the concerns raised by the delegation, Prof. Soz assured the members that he would raise a strong voice against illegal encroachments on water bodies and environmental degradation in Kashmir.He further assured the delegation that he would take up the matter with Omar Abdullah and urge the government to initiate urgent measures for safeguarding Kashmir’s natural resources and preventing further encroachments.Prof. Soz also emphasized the need for collective public awareness and responsible civic action to preserve the Valley’s ecological heritage and protect its fragile environment from irreversible damage.