SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has officially accepted a Private Member’s Resolution concerning the Hokersar Wetland, paving the way for its discussion in the House. The resolution, moved by Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, was admitted by the Speaker under Rule 179.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the resolution is slated to be presented after balloting, scheduled for September 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the office chambers of the Secretary, Legislative Assembly. The move signifies a legislative intervention aimed at addressing long-standing concerns regarding the management and impact of the Hokersar Wetland on surrounding communities.
The resolution outlines several key demands critical to the conservation of the wetland and the welfare of the local population. Foremost among these is the urgent need for demarcation of the wetland and its adjoining areas. This includes a thorough examination of both the present and historical extent of Hokersar Wetland, along with adjacent habitation and agricultural lands. The objective is to safeguard the genuine rights of residents and to prevent arbitrary territorial expansion that could impact livelihoods.
A significant focus of the resolution is the operation of flood gates and the maintenance of water levels. It calls for a comprehensive review of how flood gates are operated and the practice of maintaining high water levels throughout the year. Critics argue that this practice has repeatedly led to the inundation of residential and agricultural areas, causing distress and damage to the local populace.
Furthermore, the resolution demands a detailed assessment of the impact of current water-level management strategies on habitations and farmland. This assessment is intended to understand how the continuous high water levels are damaging homes, affecting crop yields, and disrupting the daily lives of the surrounding population. The resolution also seeks an evaluation of the condition and carrying capacity of the seven Nallahs connected to the wetland, as these waterways play a crucial role in flood control and drainage.
In recognition of the hardships faced by the community, the resolution advocates for appropriate compensation for losses suffered by residents and agriculturists due to property damage and impacts on their livelihoods. It emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging these grievances and providing redressal.
The core of the resolution stresses the importance of striking a balance between the conservation of the Hokersar Wetland and the legitimate rights and interests of the people residing in its vicinity. It aims to ensure that environmental conservation efforts do not come at the expense of human welfare and local economic stability.
The resolution is being viewed as a significant political step to address the persistent issues faced by communities around Hokersar. For years, the concerns of these residents, whose fields have remained submerged and homes under constant threat, were reportedly not adequately addressed. By pushing for the constitution of a House Committee, MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has translated public grievances into legislative action. The resolution aims to send a strong message that conservation should not be used as a pretext for injustice and that the rights of ordinary citizens should not be compromised in the name of environmental management.
The Chenab Times News Desk