Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), a civil society forum led by former bureaucrats and professionals, has urged the government to act swiftly on a range of pressing public issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The group also reiterated its long-standing demand for the immediate restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
The appeal came during a General Body meeting of the GCC held in Srinagar on Monday, chaired by Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, a retired IAS officer and former Advisor to the Governor.
The group raised alarm over the deteriorating healthcare system, particularly in rural areas. It called for strengthening primary health facilities to reduce unnecessary referrals to overburdened tertiary hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu. The GCC also demanded immediate filling of vacant posts of doctors and specialists and improved access to cancer care services.
Environmental concerns featured prominently in the discussions. The group said the carrying capacity of the River Jhelum has continued to shrink since the 2014 floods, and warned that long-delayed flood protection projects must be revived. The condition of Anchar Lake was described as “critical,” with the GCC accusing the authorities of neglect. “Anchar has become a free-for-all zone, with unchecked encroachments and no conservation efforts,” the group said, urging the government to hand over its protection to the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA).
The GCC further highlighted worsening urban issues such as poor traffic management and rising road safety risks in Srinagar and Jammu cities.
The group also expressed serious concern about the Achhan landfill site on the outskirts of Srinagar, calling it “an emerging public health crisis.” It warned that emissions from the site could be linked to an increase in cancer, respiratory ailments, infertility, and allergies among residents. The group proposed a comprehensive scientific study by the Departments of Social and Preventive Medicine at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS to assess the health impact of the landfill’s toxic emissions.
On the political front, the GCC said recent developments had again underscored the urgency of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “This is essential not only for the dignity of the people but also in the larger national interest,” the group said, invoking the assurances made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister both in and outside Parliament, as well as the directions of the Supreme Court.
The GCC also called for the enactment of stricter environmental laws specifically tailored to J&K’s fragile ecosystem(DD)
