Urgent Climate Action Needed in J&K: Insights from EPG’s Srinagar Workshop – Ziraat Times

Today in Srinagar, a significant workshop took place at Hotel Shahenshah, focusing on the pressing issues of climate change in the Kashmir Valley. Titled “Water, Weather, and Well-Being: Climate Change in the Kashmir Valley,” the event brought together environmentalists, policymakers, and academics to discuss the impacts of climate change on water, agriculture, health, and livelihoods.

Prof. Dr. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, chaired the event. Seven experts delivered presentations, and there was a lively panel discussion that included a Q&A session. Faiz Bakshi, from the Environmental Policy Group, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting the environment of Kashmir. The audience also included journalists, civil society members, and students, highlighting a broad interest in climate issues.

Arjimand Hussain, founder of Ziraat Times, suggested introducing an “environmental cess” in Jammu and Kashmir to fund climate change initiatives. He advocated for the creation of a dedicated agency with the power to enforce environmental protections, along with improving assessments of environmental impacts.

Suggestions for tackling local challenges included implementing urban rainwater harvesting systems and developing infrastructure that can withstand floods, as proposed by Dr. G.N. Qasba, a former SMC commissioner. Panel discussions, led by Er. Ajaz Rasool and Er. Iftikhar Hakim, underscored the need for different government departments to work together to tackle water scarcity and food insecurity. Reviving traditional water management practices and promoting agroforestry were highlighted as critical steps forward.

In his keynote address, Prof. Romshoo stressed that climate change is an immediate threat, affecting glaciers, agriculture, and public health. Altaf Ahmad Andrabi raised concerns about decreasing apple yields and soil health, recommending the adoption of climate-conscious farming techniques.

Dr. Jassia Bashir shared troubling data about glacial retreats and changing rainfall patterns, calling for better governance of water resources. Dr. Khurshid Iqbal linked climate change to rising health issues and urged the need for a resilient healthcare system.

Environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat pointed out flaws in current waste management and deforestation policies and pushed for stricter law enforcement. Dr. Maajid Farooq discussed government initiatives like the J&K Climate Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of local adaptation efforts.

Many prominent figures, including Advocate Nadeem Qadri and Syed Shakeel Qalandar, supported calls for greater public awareness of climate issues and the active participation of youth. Students from local colleges engaged in the discussions, reflecting a growing concern among the younger generation.

Dr. Jahangeer Ali and Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat led the day’s proceedings, wrapping up with a commitment to establish a “Climate Action Task Force” for Jammu and Kashmir. The Environmental Policy Group and the Institution of Engineers India J&K State Centre committed to publishing a policy brief summarizing the insights from the workshop.