GCC flags Nowgam industrial estate, building bylaw changes to Chief Secretary

The Group of Concerned Citizens J&K (GCC) presented a policy paper titled ‘Srinagar Declaration on Natural Environment in Jammu & Kashmir’ to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday, 1 October, raising environmental and civic concerns. The delegation, led by chairman Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, objected to the identification of a ‘known flood basin’ at Nowgam for an industrial estate, calling the proposal a violation of the Srinagar Master Plan and demanding its shelving.

The GCC also sought an independent expert appraisal of frequent amendments to the Urban Building Byelaws over the past two years and the recently notified land pooling policy, arguing that urban planning must account for the region’s natural environment, heritage and culture rather than adopting standardised designs. Other demands included a review of the freeze on teacher recruitment, filling of vacant doctor and faculty posts, integration of City Mobility Plans with flyover projects, and assigning the Lake Conservation and Management Authority responsibility for Anchar Lake and unprotected lagoons.

The group also flagged the unused GB Pant Hospital infrastructure and called for conservation of heritage sites including the Shergarhi Complex, Pathar Masjid and Budshah Mausoleum. Chief Secretary Dulloo appreciated the GCC’s efforts and assured appropriate action on the matters raised, according to a statement.