Srinagar, Sep 16: Landfilling along a portion of the Brari Nambal lagoon in Srinagar has reportedly been removed only partially despite intervention by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), with vehicles still being parked on the remaining filled area.

The landfilling came to light recently, following which the LCMA deployed machinery to remove the material from the affected portion of the waterbody.
However, a fresh visit to the site has found a substantial portion of the filled area still intact, while several vehicles continue to remain parked there.
The ground situation has raised questions over whether the LCMA's removal operation has been completed or whether the remaining filled material is also scheduled to be removed and the area restored to its original water-holding condition.
The issue assumes significance as the LCMA has been carrying out restoration and conservation measures at Brari Nambal. During inspections in July and August, officials had emphasised regular monitoring, removal of waste and debris and sustained measures for protecting the waterbody.
The LCMA's submissions before the National Green Tribunal have also referred to proposed dredging of Brari Nambal, including removal of land mass and radhs from the lagoon using departmental machinery.
Meanwhile, the continued parking of vehicles on the filled portion has raised further questions over the use of the area and whether adequate measures have been taken to prevent further encroachment or misuse of the waterbody.
The Environmental Policy Group has separately approached the LCMA seeking details about the alleged landfilling, including identification of those responsible and complete removal of the filled material.
Questions also remain over whether permission was obtained for the original filling and what action, if any, has been taken if the activity was found to be unauthorized.