Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Sep 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries department has admitted that the Vishaw stream—an important tributary of the Jhelum that supplies over six million gallons of drinking water daily to Kulgam district—is under serious threat from unregulated and unscientific mining.
In an affidavit submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) under OA No. 1391 of 2024, the department acknowledged that unchecked pollution and excessive mining are endangering the stream’s aquatic biodiversity, particularly the trout and Schizothorax species.
The department noted that mining activities—both legal and illegal—carried out during critical breeding and spawning seasons (October–December for trout and April–June for Schizothorax) have severely compromised water quality.
The affidavit further stated that the use of heavy machinery has disturbed the stream’s natural flow, destroyed habitats, and adversely affected fish production as well as species diversity.
The Fisheries department told the Tribunal that it has been keeping a close watch on the Vishaw stream through routine inspections to gauge the impact of mining and pollution.
It said that in collaboration with the Pollution Control Committee, steps are being taken to reduce the inflow of agricultural runoff and other waste into the water body.
The department also mentioned that outreach programmes and awareness campaigns are underway to educate locals about the need to safeguard the stream and to report any instances of illegal mining.
At the same time, the department stressed that despite its preventive measures, much of the ecological damage is the result of weak oversight by the Geology and Mining Department.
It warned that without immediate corrective action, the decline in the stream’s health could become irreversible.
In its affidavit, the department laid out a comprehensive set of proposals for stream protection. These include re-evaluation of mining operations to stop unscientific practices; strict enforcement of environmental laws by the Geology and Mining Department; regulated mining in designated dry patches only; and complete closure of mining in drained patches where aquafauna exists.
It also suggested making local bodies responsible for ensuring that municipal waste does not enter the stream, alongside initiating habitat restoration projects in affected areas.
The department further suggested forming dedicated monitoring committees, conducting regular assessments of water quality and fish stocks, and ensuring coordinated action among the Departments of Geology and Mining, Fisheries, Flood Control and Irrigation, along with active involvement of local communities.
Reaffirming its commitment before the Tribunal, the Fisheries Department said it would continue efforts to tackle pollution, address environmental concerns, and protect the aquatic biodiversity of the Vishaw.
It also urged the district administration to enforce strict preventive measures to curb pollution, safeguard the water body, and work towards restoring the stream’s ecological balance.
