Urgent Action Requested: JK Assembly’s Environment Committee Launches Time-Sensitive Inquiry into Kishtwar Cloudburst Disaster

Srinagar, Aug 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment is seriously concerned about the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar. They’re calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into this tragic event.

M Y Tarigami, the Committee Chairman, noted that this incident highlights how vulnerable Jammu and Kashmir is to extreme weather—especially flash floods, landslides, and avalanches. He emphasized that climate change poses a significant threat to the delicate environment of the Himalayas. This region also hosts many shrines, which attract thousands of visitors every year. Protecting these lives is essential.

Tarigami, who represents Kulgam, questioned whether any surveys or assessments have been conducted to involve environmental experts. He pushed for proactive measures to prevent future cloudbursts and ensure community safety.

He raised crucial concerns about the failure to heed warnings from the Meteorological Department regarding heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. “Ignoring these alerts is a form of negligence,” he stated, stressing that bureaucratic laziness and indifference need to be addressed.

The CPI(M) leader pointed out that such disasters aren’t merely natural; they’re made worse by overexploitation of resources, deforestation, and unchecked construction activities. He believes that local communities shouldn’t continue to bear the brunt of profit-driven environmental damage.

He also spoke about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in places like Pahalgam and Bandipora. These events have severely affected infrastructure and people’s livelihoods across the region.

In analyzing the broader context, it’s important to note that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), regions like the Himalayas are warming at a rate much faster than the global average. This warming increases the likelihood of severe weather events, putting even more pressure on communities that already face economic and social challenges.

As extreme weather patterns become more common, nature seems to be sending powerful signals. Tarigami’s remarks evoke a deep sense of urgency; he suggests that our natural world is crying out for attention that our leaders often overlook.

In summary, the cloudburst in Kishtwar serves as a grim reminder of pressing environmental issues. Taking immediate, decisive action can help protect lives and preserve the unique ecological balance of the Himalayan region.

For more on climate change and its effects, you can read this IPCC report.

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