Green tribunal forms panel to study sinking towns, Joshimath-like crisis in Jammu's Doda

New Delhi: After Joshimath-like land subsidence was reported in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Green Tribunal has formed a panel to study the development and suggest remedial measures to prevent further environmental damage.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalaya and Environment, National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Professor J S Rawat of Kumaon University, Space Application Centre, National Institute of Rock Mechanics and ACS Environment will be part of the committee.

The committee had to complete its studies within two months and submit a report by May 15. The matter has been posted on May 25 for further proceedings.

The bench also termed the issue "a matter of concern requiring stringent preventive and remedial measures." The tribunal had taken cognisance of a media report on its own about the damage and displacement caused by the "slipping of the earth" and hearing the matter. The media report noted that most houses in the area were damaged and it resulted in the displacement of people.

A bench of Chairperson Justice A K Goel noted that a geological survey of the area was being conducted to ascertain the reasons for the incident. Expert Members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad were also part of the bench. They noted that the tribunal earlier passed an order regarding the fragile areas in the Himalayan region and places including Shimla, Kasauli, Manali, McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, and Aravali hills in Rajasthan.

"On the above pattern, we direct the constitution of a joint committee to be headed by Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir," said the tribunal. "The committee may suggest remedial measures to prevent environmental damage in the light of carrying capacity, hydro-geology studies, geo-morphological studies and also covering other allied and incidental issues."

The tribunal added that the committee can take assistance from other experts and institutions as well as inhabitants and members of civil society.