The Supreme Court in its several orders has ordered that construction near small valleys, riverbanks is dangerous for our environment. The apex court in the recent past has appointed committees after the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster to review the impact of mega-projects. The experts say that the recent flash floods in Dharali Uttarakhand, Chasothi Kishtwar or Reasi were caused as a direct result of the repeated failure to implement the regulations designed to protect fragile ecosystems in Himalayan states. The haphazard construction of roads, tunnels, hotels, dhabas and resorts continue to mushroom on floodplains and unstable slopes which directly violates Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) orders that have barred construction within 50-100 meters of riverbanks.

PAGs speech in Independence Day 

Principal Accountant General (PAG) Jammu & Kashmir Mr K P Yadaw during his independence day speech at his office headquarter in Jammu raised his concern about the natural disasters happening due to climate change. He expressed anguish over the destruction that took place in Chasothi Kishtwar. Principal Auditor General said that carrying out Environmental Audits while execution of developmental works is the need of the hour and it will help reduce such incidents. Mr Yadaw emphasised that the Government has initiated several programmes and........

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