EPG calls for collective efforts to protect environment

Srinagar, June 30: "The protection of the environment in the Jammu and Kashmir region is not solely the responsibility of environmentalists but a collective duty of the public, especially stakeholders, tour and travel bodies, hoteliers, and Shikarawalas as the livelihoods of lakhs of people depend on the environment," Environmental Policy Group a voluntary group said today.

In a press statement, M M Shuja, Co-convener of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) and a prominent activist, expressed strong dismay over the encroachment of forests, rapid shrinkage and pollution of water bodies, fast melting of glaciers, and illegal mining by vested interests. "These issues are of growing concern for everyone residing in paradise  Kashmir." Shuja also criticised the political leadership of Jammu and Kashmir for, what he said, making promises to voters that they cannot fulfill. He appealed to the public to support only those who have a clear agenda on the protection of the environment, forests, water bodies, and glaciers of the territory.

"Some tourists who recently visited the valley expressed concerns about the continuous heatwave in the Kashmir region, which they attribute to deforestation. It is alarming for a civilised society that our forests have been vandalised, with thousands of kanals of forest land in Jammu and Kashmir being encroached upon. Water bodies are in a pathetic state, and glaciers are rapidly melting. In such an environment, the EPG cannot afford to be a passive observer."

"Construction in and around the green belt is banned for the poor, but allowed for rich violators. Forests are disappearing, and wild animals are entering residential areas, posing risks to the lives of residents, especially children," he said.

"The picturesque valley is losing its charm day by day due to the lack of a clear environmental policy. If authorities fail to take action now, it will be an  injustice to future generations," he said.

Shuja also commended the efforts of some environmentalists who are actively engaged in environmental protection through print and electronic media, as well as awareness campaigns especially Faiz Bakshi (Convenor), Khursheed A Ganie (former adviser), Er Ajaz Rasool, Manzoor Wangnoo, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Dr Tawseef Bhat, Arif Shafi Wani (Senior Journalist), Adv Nadeem Qadri, and Shafkat Nazir.