The laws of nature are absolute—violating them comes with consequences. Yet, these laws also provide a pathway for humans to live responsibly, as stewards of the environment. However, our reckless exploitation of natural resources in the name of progress has set us on a path toward disaster.
In our pursuit of modernization, we have prioritized material gains over the environment, leading to deforestation, pollution, climate change, and the depletion of resources. True progress must harmonize with nature, not exploit it. As Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, the revered Kashmiri saint, wisely said:
“Ann posh teli yeli wan posh”—Food will last as long as forests last.
Declining Forest Cover in Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, has witnessed alarming forest degradation. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2023, the region lost 40.61 square kilometers of forest cover in just two years.
- In 2020, Jammu & Kashmir had 1.15 million hectares of natural forest, covering 11% of its land area.
- By 2023, 112 hectares of natural forest were lost, resulting in 68.8 kilotons of CO₂ emissions.
- Forest fires and other factors contributed to the loss of 4,182 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2023.
The region’s shrinking forests pose a serious threat to its biodiversity, climate, and the livelihood of its people.
The Impact of Development Projects
Unregulated infrastructure development has accelerated deforestation across Jammu & Kashmir. Reports indicate that 60–70% of cleared forest land has been used for construction. Popular tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg have been heavily affected, with unauthorized structures and sanctioned projects encroaching on forest land.
Key Examples of Deforestation
- Gulmarg:
727 hectares of forest land were cleared for 198 projects, including roads and military infrastructure. - Jammu Division:
- 21,483 trees were approved for felling; 8,150 have already been cut.
- 36.25 hectares of forest land were diverted for the Jammu-Katra Expressway.
- Srinagar:
- The Srinagar Ring Road project led to the felling of 1.10 lakh private trees, including apple and walnut trees, causing losses worth ₹13.76 crore.
- Pahalgam:
The proposed JKPCC corridor requires the felling of 700–800 conifer trees, endangering the area’s ecosystem. - Pir Panjal Region:
- In 2015, 40,035 trees were felled for power transmission lines along Mughal Road.
- In 2021, over 300 trees were illegally cut during the Zojila Tunnel project.
- Ujh Multipurpose Hydropower Project:
This project, requiring the diversion of 680 hectares of forest land, will result in the felling of 214,502 trees.
The Looming Crisis of Climate Change
Climate change is an urgent environmental challenge with profound implications for Jammu & Kashmir.
- Erratic snowfall and unusually warm winters have disrupted traditional weather patterns, including “Chillai Kalan”, Kashmir’s harshest winter period.
- Vulnerable mountain communities are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.
Unchecked environmental degradation, deforestation, and reckless developmental activities have exacerbated these changes, putting both ecosystems and livelihoods at risk.
A Call to Action
The survival of Kashmir’s environment—and the well-being of its people—depends on immediate action. To protect our future, we must:
- Enforce Strict Environmental Laws: Halt unregulated deforestation and illegal land use.
- Sustainable Development Practices: Ensure that infrastructure projects prioritize environmental conservation.
- Afforestation and Conservation: Undertake massive tree-planting campaigns and strengthen forest management systems.
- Hold Authorities Accountable: Advocate for transparency in developmental projects and forest use.
As responsible citizens, it is our duty to safeguard our natural heritage. The actions we take today will determine the survival of future generations.
After all, nature does not belong to us—we belong to nature.
