NGT pulls up J&K government over forest violations

Srinagar, Nov 11: The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir has tendered an unconditional and unreserved apology before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for failing to file the Action Taken Report (ATR) within the stipulated period in the case concerning alleged environmental violations during the construction of the Handwara–Bangus Road by the Public Works Department (PWD), Handwara Division.
In a written submission, the Chief Secretary stated that he “humbly and unreservedly tenders an unconditional apology for the delay and lapse,” while seeking the Tribunal’s indulgence. He assured the NGT that strict compliance with all future directions would be ensured and that due care would be taken to prevent any recurrence.
The apology follows the NGT’s earlier directive seeking an affidavit from the Chief Secretary on disciplinary or legal action initiated against officers accused of authorising the road’s execution without mandatory environmental and forest clearances.
The matter pertains to the Handwara–Bangus Road, a project that has come under scrutiny after reports suggested that portions of the work were carried out within protected forest areas, allegedly resulting in extensive tree felling and ecological degradation. Environmental activists allege that the construction was undertaken in violation of the Forest Conservation Act and other regulatory norms.
The petitioner, Rasikh Rasool Bhat, informed the Tribunal that the project had been executed without statutory permissions, despite an alternate route already existing, rendering the new alignment both ecologically destructive and procedurally unjustified.
The NGT, which is monitoring the matter closely, has fixed January 13, 2026, as the next date of hearing to review compliance and determine whether accountability has been fixed on officers responsible for the violations. The Tribunal observed that environmental governance cannot be compromised and reiterated that responsibility must be established at every level for lapses causing ecological harm. [KNT]