Environmental degradation is mostly a result of human activities such as deforestation, vehicular pollution, and industrialization, which has led to environmental pollution and loss of biodiversity. Educating the masses about the importance of protecting the environment is an effective way to restore the ecological balance. Here, we tell you about the environmental issues prevalent in J&K and the measures taken to resolve these challenges.
Environmental Problems in Jammu and Kashmir
Deforestation: In recent years, there has been a drastic reduction in the forest cover in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 14,000 hectares of forest area has been encroached upon, and as per a 2017 report published by the Forest Survey of India, the forested area in J&K is just 10.46%. Increasing requirement for housing and infrastructure and the rise in industrial development have led to the felling of trees. Deforestation has caused soil erosion and floods, further damaging forest resources.
Water Pollution: Jammu and Kashmir has several lakes and streams. The disposal of human and animal waste in these water bodies has obstructed their flow and degraded water quality.
Shrinking of Water Bodies: In a study by Srinagar’s Directorate of Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing, Dal Lake is estimated to have shrunk from 2,547 hectares in 1971 to 1,620 hectares in 2008. According to a report by Wetland International South Asia (WISA), Wular Lake has shrunk by 45%. The water-holding capacity of the lakes in Kashmir is reducing. Depleting water sources will lead to water shortage and also affect the generation of hydroelectricity.
Air Pollution: The infrastructural and industrial growth in Kashmir has boosted its economy but resulted in air pollution. Burning of stubble in the harvesting season degrades air quality and throwing of wastes in open spaces further pollutes the air. Brick kilns in many districts of J&K are adding to air pollution.
Melting of Glaciers: Satellite data found that more than 1200 glaciers in the Himalayan region were melting at the rate of 35 cm in thickness, each year, from 2000 to 2012. Glacial melting is affecting the food, water, and energy sectors in the region. Emission of greenhouse gases and use of fossil fuels have led to increasing temperatures and reducing snow precipitation, resulting in the melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Loss of Biodiversity: Due to habitat destruction and animal poaching, many animal species in Jammu and Kashmir are facing the threat of extinction. Cutting of trees and depletion of the forest cover is threatening the existence of some plant species.
Decrease in Farmlands: Land which was once used for farming, is being used for non-agricultural purposes, thus leading to a food grain deficit. Farmlands are fast being used for construction of roads, buildings and industries.
Climate Change: In the last 100 years, the temperature rise in Jammu and Kashmir has been 1.2-degree Celsius, which is more than the world average. This may be detrimental to some native crops of Kashmir. Global warming in J&K has led to a change in snowfall patterns and warmer winters, affecting the ecosystem at large.
Resolving the Environmental Challenges in J&K
The state administration has organized planation drives to let the masses participate in afforestation. Agro-based businesses have been encouraged so that plants native to Kashmir can be commercially cultivated. Certain places like the Pangong Lake, Ladakh Valley, trekking routes in Sudhmahadev and Bahu Conservation Reserves and the sanctuaries and national parks in J&K have been developed as eco-tourism destinations. Strict laws have been formulated against timber smuggling and other mal-practices, which result in the cutting down of trees.
Water conservation and management programmes have been launched for the lakes in J&K, in which their water quality is assessed and remedial measures like weed removal are implemented. Volunteers take up projects for cleaning up of rivers and surrounding areas to curb pollution caused by garbage.
To reduce air pollution in Jammu and Kashmir, the state administration is taking measures like checking of vehicular emissions, traffic management, and introduction of cleaner fuels, among others.
To combat loss of biodiversity, several sanctuaries, national parks and conservational reserves have been established and poaching of certain endangered animals has been prohibited by law.
In the effort to mitigate the problem of depleting farmlands, the J&K High Court has ordered the state government to ensure that agricultural land is not converted for commercial, industrial or residential purposes. Some laws have been formulated to check excessive conversion of farmland.
The State Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC) aims to take measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and covers different sectors like power generation, water, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, among others.
Jammu and Kashmir is a popular travel destination and the tourism industry has led to the economic growth of this state. Infrastructural development and industrialization have got a boost after the removal of Article 370. However, these factors have also increased the environmental problems in J&K. The construction of roads, industrial and residential complexes, and resorts, has led to the loss of forest cover and farms. Industrial growth and the rising population have resulted in environmental pollution and climate change.Â
If natives and tourists act responsibly towards the environment and strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, Jammu and Kashmir will stay beautiful, befitting its nickname, Paradise on Earth.
