Govt opposes Jhelum Protection Bill, assures strict enforcement of existing laws

Jammu, Mar 30: The government on Monday opposed a private member’s bill on protection of River Jhelum in the Assembly, asserting that existing laws are sufficient to safeguard water bodies.
Responding to concerns raised by legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control said that multiple legal provisions are already in place to address pollution and regulate activities affecting rivers and wetlands.
He said departments are actively monitoring sewage discharge, industrial waste and other sources of pollution.
He further said that efforts are underway to enforce these laws in letter and spirit, with a focus on strengthening monitoring mechanisms and ensuring accountability.
The Minister said that protection of River Jhelum is a collective responsibility and ongoing measures aim to preserve the river’s ecological health.
Following the government’s assurance on enforcement and monitoring, MLA Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri, withdrew the bill.
Earlier speaking, Veeri warned that untreated sewage and industrial waste continue to flow directly into the river across towns and cities.
He also raised concern over unregulated sand mining, saying it has disrupted ecological balance and affected fish production. (KNO)