Srinagar, The High Court of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has issued a stern directive to local authorities for an update on the conservation status of seven internationally recognized wetlands, designated as Ramsar Sites.

According to Kashmir Media Service, a division bench led by Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice M A Chowdhary expressed severe disappointment over the failure of the authorities to submit a status report, as ordered on September 9 last year. The bench labeled this omission as a “serious lapse,” highlighting the territory’s disregard for the preservation of these vital ecological sites.

The court granted one final chance for the authorities in IIOJK to furnish the report, with a clear warning that failure to comply would result in punitive measures against those responsible. This intervention underscores the High Court’s commitment to environmental conservation in the face of governmental neglect.

During the court proceedings, amicus curiae Nadeem Qadri brought attention to the deteriorating condition of Anchar Lake, once known for its pristine waters, now on the brink of extinction. This situation, as reported by Greater Kashmir on July 23, highlights the lake’s plight due to official apathy and exploitation. The court requested Qadri to provide relevant documentation and instructed the authorities to include the current condition of Anchar Lake in their report.

Originally, four wetlands in the region were recognized as Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, a global treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. This number has now expanded to seven, including Hokersar, Wular Lake, Shalbugh, Haigam in Kashmir Valley, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar in Ladakh, and Surinsar-Mansar lakes in Jammu.

The High Court’s intervention is a significant step in safeguarding these crucial ecosystems, reflecting a judicial approach to environmental conservation amidst administrative inaction.