National Green Tribunal
Chail Singh vs U. T Of Jammu And Kashmir & Cheif ... on 26 November, 2025
Item No. 02 Court No. 1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI
Original Application No. 598/2025
Chail Singh Applicant
Versus
U. T of Jammu and Kashmir &
Chief Secretary & Ors. Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 26.11.2025
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRAKASH SHRIVASTAVA, CHAIRPERSON
HON'BLE DR. A. SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER
Applicant Mr. R.D. Singh Bandral, Adv. for Applicant (Through VC)
ORDER
1. In this Original Application (OA), the plea of the Applicant is that there was a traditional pond in Hamlet Bashal which has been damaged during the construction of Chill Bramnal to HS Shamthi road of length of 5 Km. in village Samthi, Tehsil Kastigarh, District Doda in the year 2023. The Applicant has made representation against the damage caused to the pond and it has been pointed out by the counsel for the Applicant that a Committee was constituted headed by the Naib Tehsildar who had submitted the report recording that the Pond was earlier existing which has now been damaged and filled up.
2. Counsel for the Applicant has referred to the report of the Tehsilda, Kastigarh dated 02.05.2025 as conveyed to the Assistant Commissioner, Revenue Doda (page 23) which records as under:-
"Accordingly, the field staff was directed to conduct a spot inspection and verify the matter both on the ground and through revenue records. The report submitted reveals that the pond was located in close proximity to Government Primary School Bashal, which is recorded under Khasra No. 70 of village Samthi. However, no entry regarding the pond is found in the current revenue records pertaining to Khara No. 290. Physical traces consistent with the 1 former existence of a pond were observed at the site, which now stands filled with earth, reportedly during the execution of the road works, rendering it non-functional. During the inspection, local residents, including the Lumberdar and Chowkidar, stated that the pond was adversely affected during the construction of the road from Chill to Samthi via Bramnal by the PWD (R&B) Department approximately one and a half years ago. It was further observed that the said road, which remains unblack topped, ends at the location of the pond.
The locals have further submitted that the pond had existed for more than seventy years and had been in use even prior to the last land settlement. It served as an important source of water for livestock and other rural needs of the community. In view of the foregoing and the stated public utility of the pond, the matter is submitted for your kind perusal and appropriate directions, as restoration of the pond may help meet the essential water requirements of the area, particularly for livestock."
3. The OA raises the substantial issue relating to compliance of environmental norms.
4. Issue notice to the Respondents. The Applicant is directed to serve the Respondents and file affidavit of service atleast one week before the next date of hearing.
5. List on 17.02.2026, Prakash Shrivastava, CP Dr. A. Senthil Vel, EM November 26, 2025 Original Application No. 598/2025 A 2