High Court Intervenes: Battle to Reclaim Srinagar's Historic Nallah Mar from Encroachers Intensifies

In a powerful stride towards preserving Kashmir's invaluable heritage, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court has taken decisive action, issuing notices to 23 individuals and entities accused of illegally encroaching upon the banks of the historic "Stream of Chinar Bagh." This vital waterway, once famously known as Nallah Mar, represents more than just a stream; it is a critical artery of Srinagar's past, and its ongoing degradation has prompted a robust judicial intervention.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, while hearing an exhaustive Public Interest Litigation (PIL), underscored the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public property and preventing further illegal constructions.

The court has given the accused a strict four-week deadline to file their responses, marking a significant step in the long-fought battle to reclaim and restore this iconic historical conduit.

The Nallah Mar, a name echoing through Srinagar's history, was once a magnificent natural channel that elegantly linked the pristine Dal Lake with the expansive Anchar Lake.

For centuries, it served as a bustling thoroughfare, facilitating not only water transport but also acting as a crucial component of the city's intricate drainage system. Its banks, lined with vibrant life, were integral to the urban fabric. However, a shortsighted urban planning decision in the 1970s led to its unfortunate filling up, transforming a dynamic waterway into a land corridor, much to the detriment of the city's ecological and historical balance.

This current legal offensive stems from persistent efforts to reverse that historical wrong.

The High Court, actively monitoring the situation, has been guided by a committee's recommendations, including those put forth by Amicus Curiae Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed. The Amicus Curiae has diligently highlighted the alarming extent of encroachments, stressing the urgent need for stringent measures to retrieve the stream's original path and ensure its rehabilitation.

The court's notices have been served not only to the alleged private encroachers but also to key governmental bodies, including the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department, J&K UT Administration, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and the Department of Flood Control and Irrigation.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all responsible parties are engaged in the concerted effort to address the issue, emphasizing collective responsibility in preserving public land and historical assets.

The judiciary’s firm stance serves as a potent reminder that heritage is not merely an aesthetic; it is an invaluable resource that demands protection.

The "Stream of Chinar Bagh" is more than just a water body; it's a testament to Srinagar's unique hydrological history and a crucial piece of its environmental puzzle. The High Court's directive signals a renewed hope that Nallah Mar, even if partially, can regain its lost glory, offering a glimpse into a future where historical legacies are respected and meticulously preserved for generations to come.