Tarigami Urges Action for Chasoti Cloudburst Tragedy: A Call for Accountability and Climate Justice

Srinagar, Aug 16: M Y Tarigami, the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has expressed deep concern over the recent cloudburst in Chisoti, Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. This tragic event resulted in the loss of around 60 lives, with many others still unaccounted for.

In his statement, Tarigami pointed out the increasing danger that climate change poses to the already vulnerable Himalayan region. He emphasized that such extreme weather events—like flash floods and landslides—are becoming more common, posing a serious threat to the delicate ecological balance of this area.

“This region hosts numerous shrines visited by thousands of devotees every year. We need strict measures to protect lives,” he said. Tarigami questioned whether thorough assessments have been conducted in collaboration with environmental experts to prevent such disasters in the future.

He commended the unwavering efforts of local volunteers, youth, and community members who came together to help with rescue and relief. “Their spirit of communal harmony is a beacon of hope,” he remarked.

Tarigami also called for a swift investigation into why precautionary measures were not implemented despite warnings from the Meteorological Department. He described the lack of action as a form of negligence that must be addressed. He noted that the ongoing exploitation of natural resources, such as deforestation and illegal mining, is worsening these disasters.

He pointed out a worrying trend of climate-related calamities across the region, highlighting areas like Pahalgam and Ladakh, where local infrastructure and livelihoods have suffered greatly. “Nature is crying out for justice, but the leaders are not listening,” he said.

To tackle these issues, he outlined several critical demands:

1. Involve local communities in climate policy discussions to ensure everyone has a voice.
2. Institute methods to compensate those affected by climate events.
3. Launch ecological restoration initiatives to reverse damage and protect fragile ecosystems.
4. Implement early warning systems that leverage new technology for timely alerts to residents.

Tarigami concluded by urging collective action. “This isn’t just a disaster, but a call for systemic change.” He reiterated the need for all members of society—workers, students, and intellectuals—to unite for climate justice and demand immediate action from those in power.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a looming crisis. Recent studies indicate that Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate of about 0.2 meters per year, impacting water supply for millions. Addressing these stark realities, Tarigami’s message resonates more than ever in light of our escalating climate challenges.

[Source: NASA Earth Science](https://www.nasa.gov/earth-science/) for additional statistics on climate impact in Himalayan regions.

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