We need a green budget
In a major initiative, development of ecologically sustainable mountain trails have been announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. Jammu and Kashmir is surrounded with mountains and the eco-friendly trekking and hiking trails will be game-changer for the Himalayan region. Let the trekkers explore nature in its purest form.
Otherwise what we have been witnessing in J&K is haphazard development especially in eco-fragile areas in the name of so-called development! Owing to its unique topography, Jammu and Kashmir being a multi-hazard prone Himalayan region is vulnerable to natural disasters especially earthquake, floods, landslides, windstorms and soil erosion. In fact J&K ranks third among the Himalayan areas which are vulnerable to climate change and fall in highest seismic zones. Amid climate change, it is the need of the hour to go for sustainable development and the government must take lead in it.
Nature lovers are pinning hope on the Budget to be tabled by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Legislative Assembly on February 6. It is expected that special provisions of conservation of environment, especially water bodies will be included in the budget. The CM, who is a nature lover, must consider the importance of water bodies and restore navigational routes.
J&K has been facing massive environmental challenges. The water bodies in Srinagar are inter-connected and the government must ensure conservation of these natural assets. While conservation works are in progress in Dal Lake, other water bodies including Aanchar, Gilsar Khushalsar and Brari Nambal are battling for survival. Once possessing crystal clear waters, Anchar lake has been neglected and is mared extensive pollution and encroachment. Numerous natural springs infusing fresh lease of waters to Aanchar have been buried under encroachments.
The twin lakes, Khushalsar and Gilsar, were almost choked until a group of environment lovers raised a red flag. After decades of inordinate delay, the conservation of Khushalsar and Gilsar lakes was handed over to J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) in March last year. Beyond the process to prepare Detailed Project Report for conservation of these water bodies, not much has been done in a year. A voluntary group Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has been ensuring sustained cleaning of the twin lakes. However, unless the government takes scientific measures including to prevent the influx of drains and stop encroachments, it will be difficult to restore the glory of these lakes. Gilsar and Khushalsar are not just water bodies but form one of the outflow channels of Dal lake through the Nallah Amir Khan. These lakes maintain the hydrology of Dal Lake by flushing of excess water and ensuring circulation. Besides these lakes are home to several fish species and form habitat of migratory birds in winter.
Another major challenge is flood mitigation. Kashmir valley is one of the most flood hazard-prone regions in the Himalayas. What compounds the problem is that river Jhelum has lost its flood plains and associated wetlands. The river’s flat topography makes Srinagar the most vulnerable area to flooding in J&K. Wetlands on the left and right of Jhelum which act as reservoirs of the floodwaters, are fast losing carrying capacity due to pollution, siltation and encroachments.
On September 7, 2014, a spree of cloudbursts and incessant rains led to overflowing river Jhelum, causing devastating floods. Jhelum crossed a record 23 feet at Ram Munshi Bagh gauge, while the level went over 36 feet at Sangam submerging localities on both sides of the river from south Kashmir to Srinagar. Who other than Omar Abdullah knows the massive scale of devastation caused by floods during his first stint as Chief Minister in 2014. And last year in the first week of September following incessant rains, horror of 2014 floods returned as several uptown Srinagar areas were flooded. A day of sunshine saved Srinagar city from 2014-like floods.
It is evident that not much has been done to increase the carrying capacity of Jhelum. In the last over a decade, the river’s carrying capacity has been increased from 31,800 cusecs to 41,000 cusecs. While J&K needs a capacity of over one lakh cusecs. Ecologically important wetlands like Hokersar, Haigam, Shallabugh, Narakara, Rakh-e-Arth have been degraded due to rapid encroachment and urbanisation. While a voluntary group like Environmental Protection Group has been at forefront of conservation of Jhelum and its associated wetlands, the government must play its role to restore Jhelum’s flood plains. Omar needs to keep special provision for flood mitigation in his budget.
There is the challenge of climate change too. Amid fast retreating glaciers, what the government can least do is to prevent deforestation, disallow constructions in eco-fragile zones, reduce high levels of pollution caused by emission of greenhouse gases by vehicles, brick kilns and cement plants. Forests too are under massive stress due to haphazard constructions and felling of trees to pave for roads. This vandalisation of forests needs to be stopped and provision for afforestation kept in budget.
Omar’s budget must focus on creating green infrastructure and environmental sustainability to sustain lives and livelihood. We need to understand that damage to the environment in any form is irreparable. Let this budget be green budget for greener and cleanlier J&K.
Author is Executive Editor,
Greater Kashmir
