Kashmir’s ecological decline poses economic risk: EPG

Srinagar, Jul 11: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) on Wednesday held a crucial meeting with M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment, to discuss the growing ecological distress in Kashmir and its potential economic fallout.

A statement said that the EPG delegation—comprising Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Co-Convenor Dr. M.M. Shuja, and Governing Council Member Er. Ajaz Rasool—flagged multiple environmental issues threatening Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem. These include climate change impacts, unregulated mineral extraction, degradation of wetlands and rivers, and unchecked urban expansion.

Particular concern was raised over the worsening condition of key water bodies such as the River Jhelum, Wular, Manasbal, Dal, Nigeen, and several wetlands like Haigham, Shallabugh, and Mirgund. The delegation also highlighted unchecked pollution and encroachments in areas under the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), including illegal constructions and untreated sewage inflow into lakes.

Illegal extraction of minor minerals from riverbeds in Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian—affecting rivers like Rambiara, Romshi, Sindh, Sukhnag, and Ferozpore—was flagged as a major threat to aquatic ecosystems and river morphology.

The EPG submitted a detailed 20-point memorandum urging policy action on issues ranging from flood management and catchment area treatment to urban green space protection and independent environmental audits of Smart City projects. It also sought urgent implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and emphasised the need for sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sustainable tourism planning.

Some key demands included restoration of Srinagar’s traditional waterways, scientific waste management in Bandipora and Sopore, enforcement against violations in protected areas like Dachigam National Park, and halting the proposed flyover at Polo Ground which threatens greenbelt conservation.

The group also informed the Chairman about its ongoing Public Interest Litigations in the J&K High Court aimed at safeguarding Kashmir’s environment.

Tarigami acknowledged the EPG’s concerns and assured full cooperation. He emphasised the vital role of civil society in shaping policy and agreed to facilitate joint action and sustained dialogue to protect Kashmir’s ecological and economic future.