Checking pollution: Ban on dumping waste in rivers

“Strict action will be taken if the construction companies are found guilty,” the notification stated.

MUZAFFARABAD:

The district administration on Wednesday imposed a ban on dumping solid waste and rubble in rivers Neelum and Jhelum.

Construction companies working on projects in the capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will not be allowed to toss rubble in the rivers because it pollutes the waters of River Neelum and River Jhelum, according to a notification issued by the Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner.

Initially, the AJK Environmental Protection Agency raised the issue with construction companies working in earthquake-hit parts of Muzaffarabad. They were asked to stop dumping rubble in the rivers to prolong the life of the recently raised Mangla Dam and save the fish.

“Strict action would be taken if the construction companies are found guilty,” the notification stated. Members of civil society and non-governmental organisations working on environment-related issues hailed the decision of the district administration to impose the ban and assured their support.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2013.