Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNS): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) while admitting a petition has issued notices to Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Jammu & Kashmir Government over the issue of handing over of Bajpathri meadow in Yusmarg to Army for undertaking field firing drills.
The bench headed by Chairperson of NGT Justice Swatantra Kumar issued the notice to respondents Ministry of Defence, J&K Govt through Defence Secretary, Chief Secretary J&K and Principal Secretary Forests J&K Govt
The petition filed by RTI & Social Activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat through his counsel Advocates Rahul Chowdhary and Ritwick Dutta has requested the NGT to direct the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and J&K Government not to handover Bajpathri meadow to Army for firing drills as it would damage the environment, forest and wildlife in the area plus deprive locals of their livelihood.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Muzaffar has also appealed NGT that Tosmaidan should be cleared of all the live shells / mortars which remain scattered in the area.
Muzaffar Bhat has prayed before the Tribunal that the JK government to clear the Tosamaidan meadow from the unexploded and used shells and restore the area.
“The state government should to do the inspection of surface soil, ground water, and other water bodies for any contamination and pollution and decontaminate the same,” Bhat had prayed.
“J&K State Government not to lease out the Bajpathree meadow for the purpose of field firing and artillery practices and Pass any such order as this Hon’ble Tribunal may be pleased to pass in the facts and circumstances of the case.” (KNS)