Ganderbal: The material for flood protection works at Tikbagh Nunnar in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is being transported through wet patches which threatens the aquatic life of Sindh nallah.
In Ganderbal the permission were issued for the flood protection works and contractors were asked to use machinery and extract material from dry patches for the flood protection works, in Tikbagh Nunnar area dozens of Tippers were seen transporting the material through wet patches destroying important fish habitat and breeding grounds.
Experts have already warned that the transportation or extraction of minerals from wet patches are a serious threat to aquatic life of nallah sindh.
An expert wishes not to be named said, “Most of the fish of Kashmir are bottom feeders and lay eggs on the bottom [of rivers and under boulders]. Mining/transportation through the wet patches will surely affect the feeding and breeding grounds of these fish, which will ultimately affect the production of fish,” he said.
It’s pertinent to mention here that the NOCs provided for extraction are conditional and contractors are allowed on permanent dry patches not in the main stream an order copy of DMO and NOC of AD Fisheries Ganderbal which lies with the reporter.
When contacted Assistant Director fisheries Ganderbal Dr Salman he assures that action will be taken if the contractor is violating the orders.
