Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, chaired a review meeting on October 21 to assess compliance with NGT directions regarding the formulation and implementation of the District Environment Plan in Kargil.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, IAS, Ankit Sinha, IFS, Chief Planning Officer Kargil, Superintending Engineer, PWD, District Panchayat Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Director Handicrafts and other concerned officers.

The meeting reviewed environmental protection measures, focusing on solid and biomedical waste management, air and noise pollution, and the conservation of natural resources.

Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar presented an overview of the initiatives undertaken by the district administration and outlined priorities for developing a green and sustainable Kargil town. These included improving waste segregation, collection and processing; promoting sustainable tourism and clean public spaces; encouraging community participation and behavioural change; eliminating single-use plastic (SUP) items; maintaining clean water bodies; and expanding the water quality monitoring network.

Dr. Afroz Ahmad appreciated the Deputy Commissioner and the District Administration Kargil for their efforts towards environmental protection and compliance with NGT orders and judgments.

He stressed the need to establish an interpretation centre within a compact area to raise environmental awareness and generate local employment. He also called for exploring revenue generation from waste and adopting successful waste-management practices from other cities, particularly Indore. He advised the Deputy Commissioner to undertake a study visit to learn from such models.

The functioning of waste collection systems under MG Marga was also reviewed. The administration informed the meeting that 33 waste-collection vehicles were available and waste was collected from different locations on a weekly basis. Dr. Ahmad directed the installation of GPS tracking systems in these vehicles to improve monitoring and accountability. He also stressed the need to extend the Swachhata App-based monitoring mechanism to rural areas.

The issue of plastic waste was discussed in detail. The administration informed the meeting that plastic items had been banned in the area and that strict penalties would be imposed for violations. Measures to control air and noise pollution were also reviewed.

The meeting further reviewed air and water quality monitoring by the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee, with monitored parameters generally found to be within prescribed standards.

Dr. Ahmad called for coordinated efforts among departments to promote green spaces and parks, undertake riverbank plantation and link environmental conservation with employment generation. He emphasised that an eco-economic approach should remain central to Kargil’s sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with a call for stronger inter-departmental coordination and effective implementation of environmental measures in letter and spirit.