Saving Kashmir’s Environment for future
By: Aubaid Ahmed Akhoon
Kashmir, with its charming, soothing, and beautiful landscapes, is rightly called a paradise on Earth. Its weather, streams, waterfalls, mountains, culture, and unparalleled hospitality are treasures that poets, writers, and intellectuals have long celebrated.
Allah Almighty has blessed this land with immense natural beauty and has entrusted humanity with the responsibility to protect and appreciate these gifts. The distinction between good and evil is inspired in man, and it is our duty to safeguard the environment that sustains us.
Take, for instance, the world-famous Dal Lake. Had its cleanliness been maintained from the outset, the government would not need to spend crores of rupees annually for its preservation—funds that could instead have furthered Kashmir’s development.
Unfortunately, Dal Lake, like many other water bodies such as Wullar Lake and Manasbal Lake, has suffered significant environmental degradation. Environmentalists reveal that 75% of Dal Lake has been destroyed, and the aquatic life severely affected. The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), established to restore Dal Lake’s splendor, has failed at various levels.
My hometown Panderathan is located on the banks of the Jhelum River. My father reminisces about a time, thirty years ago, when Jhelum’s water was safe to drink without filtration. Today, we are wary of using even tap water without filtering it first. This decline reflects the broader environmental crisis we face, one that demands immediate and sustained action
According to a poignant verse: “The house caught fire with its own lamp.” We have, indeed, inflicted damage upon ourselves through negligence. Tourism, a vital component of Kashmir’s economy, hinges on our ability to preserve the natural beauty that attracts visitors. With the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, it is imperative that government departments implement effective measures to keep Pahalgam Valley clean and free from environmental pollution.
Two years ago, the government issued an advisory directing the Forest Department to create a digital inventory and geo-spatial database of Jammu and Kashmir’s wetlands. This initiative aimed to profile various wetlands and recommend their notification under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017. Despite having 3,754 water bodies regulated by different departments, significant progress remains unseen.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, aims to raise awareness about environmental protection. This year’s theme, “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” and the slogan “Our Land, Our Future,” underline the urgent need for collective action. As Saudi Arabia hosts the global celebrations, over 143 countries will collaborate to formulate sustainable policies and address pressing environmental challenges.
The health of humans is intrinsically linked to a clean and healthy environment, which provides essential resources like clean air, pure water, and nutritious food. These are fundamental to life, and their disturbance profoundly impacts human health. The quality of our environment significantly contributes to all sectors of life in Jammu and Kashmir. However, over the last two decades, the region has faced alarming environmental challenges such as global warming, climate change, glacier melting, water crises, pollution, deforestation, and land degradation.
Unbridled anthropogenic activities, including urbanization, technological advancement, agricultural expansion, and industrialization, have exerted tremendous pressure on our natural resources. This reckless exploitation has led to significant environmental degradation. The eco-fragile region of Jammu and Kashmir is teetering on the brink of an ecological disaster, evidenced by the devastation of forests, mountains, glaciers, water bodies, and wetlands.
We must remember the devastating floods of September 2014 and the recent flash floods, landslides, and land sinking incidents—nature’s stark warnings. Increasing unregulated construction in eco-fragile areas is transforming our mesmerizing landscapes into urban jungles. Furthermore, outdated industries, brick kilns, cement factories, and stone crushers pose severe threats to air quality and the environment.
Illegal mining activities have damaged fertile Karewa lands and Nallahs, resulting in the loss of aquatic life and jobs for thousands of people. The recent fish deaths in Sukhnag Nallah highlight the severe impact of pollution and illegal mining. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society, religious leaders, teachers, and students, to ensure the protection and preservation of our environment.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship. The Quran states, “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption” (Quran 2:60). This verse underlines our duty to prevent environmental harm. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said, “The earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you his stewards over it” (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith highlights our role as caretakers of the Earth.
The rapid melting of glaciers in Jammu and Kashmir has affected water availability and hydrological regimes. Many areas face drought, land degradation, and desertification. World Environment Day reminds us of the importance of environmental protection and the need for collective action to create a sustainable future. We must undertake mitigation measures to minimize further damage to our fragile environment.
Educational institutions should conduct awareness programs to educate students about environmental issues and their impact on living flora and fauna. Clean-up drives, tree planting, and the restoration of degraded springs, canals, forests, and wetlands will contribute significantly to our environment. Sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly products, renewable energy sources, and conserving natural resources, are essential.
Reducing our carbon footprint, controlling deforestation, banning illegal mining, promoting recycling, and implementing strict environmental laws are critical steps. Article 48-A of the Indian Constitution states that the state shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the country’s forests and wildlife. Article 51-A emphasizes that every citizen’s duty is to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
To revive the clean and green Jammu and Kashmir of two decades ago, we must work sincerely for our bruised and battered environment. With collective effort, we can again drink fresh water from our water bodies, breathe clean air, and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of our landscapes.
It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure better protection and preservation of the environment. Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient environment for future generations and ourselves.
(The author is a columnist and a motivational speaker)
KV News
