Progress must not come at the cost of environment: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Jun 5: On World Environment Day, National Conference (NC) President DrFarooq Abdullah today called for a shift in priorities, urging that progress must not come at the cost of the environment.

Highlighting the destructive impact of deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources, DrFarooq warned that Jammu and Kashmir is facing the consequences of global environmental neglect including vanishing species and polluted water bodies, a press release said.

“Our region’s beauty is its biggest asset. If we fail to preserve it, we lose not only our environment but our identity,” he said, calling on youth to lead the charge in keeping the region clean and green.

NC President stressed the need for personal responsibility saying, “Stop plastic use, conserve water and electricity, and never underestimate the power of individual action." Quoting the revered Hazrat Sheikh Noor Ud Din Noorani (RA), Dr Abdullah reminded, “Food will survive only till forests survive.”

As the global theme echoes “Ecosystem Restoration,” he emphasised that “every ecosystem is connected. One collapse affects the rest.” Governments, he added, must balance growth with preservation.

“Let us not wait for change. Let us become it,” he added.