Srinagar, June 5: On World Environment Day, observed on June 5th, serious concerns have been raised over the worsening environmental conditions in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite numerous awareness campaigns by various organizations, their effectiveness in bringing about tangible lifestyle changes and contributing to environmental conservation remains questionable.
Addressing the pressing issues, environmental activists stated, “The challenges we face are daunting – high fossil fuel emissions, air and water pollution, encroachment and contamination of water bodies, deforestation, soil degradation, solid waste mismanagement, and rapid depletion of natural resources. While messaging is important, the real elephant in the room is poor regulation and implementation by the government authorities.”
The state of the environment in J&K is alarming, with rivers silted and encroached upon, streams and springs disappearing or shrinking, lakes dying, wetlands silted and encroached upon, forests suffering degradation, and glaciers rapidly depleting. “It is a story of gradual decline of Jammu and Kashmir’s famed natural beauty, compounded by the indifference of local people and grossly inadequate intervention by successive governments,” lamented environmentalist Shabir Hussain.
Kashmir, often referred to as a “paradise on earth,” is on the brink of an environmental disaster, according to experts. “The situation in Kashmir should be a grave concern for both the people and the governments,” said Sameera Bhat, a tourism expert. “Kashmir is not only a national asset but also ranks high on the international tourism map. However, the rapid increase in population, urbanization, and tourist influx is putting excessive pressure on available resources, land, water bodies, and infrastructure.”
Famous hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are struggling to provide adequate sanitation facilities and handle solid and liquid waste disposal effectively. “These areas may need fresh master plans for environmentally sustainable development, and existing master plans need to be implemented strictly,” Bhat added.
Concerns have also been raised over a recent order indicating the potential use of forest land for constructing five-star hotels in J&K. “Forest land should ideally remain undisturbed, as forests are the carbon sink and essential for Kashmir’s salubrious climate,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a forestry expert.
The new Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, has exempted large tracts of forests in J&K from prior permission for security and defense purposes. However, environmentalists warn that extending exemptions to other categories or granting permissions liberally could lead to faster depletion of forests, with adverse consequences for weather, climate, and ecological balance.
“Compensatory afforestation efforts have been slow and slack, while the department of social forestry has lost focus,” Ahmad added. “The government needs to prioritize forest restoration using new technologies and techniques to regrow denuded and degraded forests quickly.”
Experts also emphasized the need for J&K to learn from Ladakh regarding the power of people’s action and passion for environmental protection. “The recent non-violent protest led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh aimed at protecting the region’s ecology, land, and natural resources, stemming from a love for their land,” said a social activist. “The people of J&K need to emulate this love and reverence for their natural bounties and take proactive steps towards environmental conservation and protection.”
