Tangmarg’s vanishing greens: Songbirds silenced, livelihoods lost

Srinagar, Dec 16: Ghulam Rasool, an elderly man from Drung says that if the encroachments and illegal earth-cutting in Tangmarg resulting in an environmental crisis continue, the forests would disappear soon, and the place would become barren and lifeless.

“Earlier, Tangmarg and Drung used to be full of life, but now you can see such barren patches. It does not feel good to be left with such destruction,” he says. “The forests in Tangmarg not only provided shade and fresh air but were a home to many birds and animals too. Now, with that many trees gone, hardly one gets to hear the song of birds.”

Unchecked encroachments and illegal earth-cutting are ravaging Tangmarg, the famed tourist resort on the way to Kashmir’s popular skiing destination Gulmarg.

The unfolding environmental crisis in Tangmarg threatens the fragile ecosystem of this sought-after tourist destination.

The allegations of influential hands at play, illegal road construction, and buried trees have cast a shadow over Tangmarg’s natural beauty.

Zahoor Khan, a resident of Tangmarg says, “The authorities need to take immediate action against those involved in these illegal activities. If not, Tangmarg and Drung will soon lose their unique identity.”

He says that the unchecked cutting of trees and encroachments is destroying the natural beauty that attracts tourists.

“These places are known for greenery and quiet surroundings. When we lose all that, we have lost everything: visitors, income, and ourselves as well as nature,” Khan says.

He recommends stiffer implementations of the environmental law to be enforced around the area.

The forest land encroachments and extensive earthcutting are going unchecked in Tangmarg, posing a threat to the environment.

The move has raised serious concerns about the blatant destruction of resources and the alleged involvement of influential individuals and authorities.

Shabir Ahmad, a taxi driver, who works in the region, says, “Tourists come here to enjoy the greenery and the peaceful environment. If we lose our forests, we will also lose our livelihood. Who will want to visit a place that looks barren and lifeless?”

According to him, it is the beauty of the forests that attracts visitors and sustains the local economy.

Shabir says that the protection of the forest is vital for both tourism and the survival of the residents.

The environmental crisis in Tangmarg has raised serious concerns about the blatant destruction of resources and the alleged involvement of influential individuals and authorities.

Muhammad Fazil of Tangmarg says: “It is not only the government’s responsibility. We, as citizens, must also protect our forests. If each of us takes even a small step, we can save these beautiful places for future generations.”

“If people collectively report illegal activities and spread awareness, it can make a big difference,” he says.

Fazil believes that if the community starts to work together, they might save the natural beauty of Tangmarg and its forests.

The authorities had promised an inquiry into encroachments and illegal earth-cutting in Tangmarg.

The action came after Greater Kashmir’s report on the issue of the unchecked encroachments and illegal earth-cutting ravaging Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

MLA Tangmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah had promised a detailed report would be sought from the concerned officials and action taken accordingly.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa had said that he would look into the matter while Conservator Forests North Kashmir Circle, Anup Kumar Soni had promised to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, civil society and other stakeholders have voiced concern over the unchecked encroachments, illegal earth-cutting, and misuse of forest land in Tangmarg.

J&K has a forest area of 21,387 sq km and an additional 2867 sq km of tree cover.

According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), an online platform that monitors forests worldwide, the region had 660,000 hectares of natural forest in 2010, which covered about 8.3 percent of its total land.

By 2023, J&K had lost 51 hectares of natural forests, which had released carbon equivalents to 57.7 kilotons of CO2 in the atmosphere.

This ominous trend has brought into question the need for strict forest protection and sustainable practices in Tangmarg and its surroundings, ensuring that the region does not lose its natural riches.