SRINAGAR, MARCH 03: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre, hosted a workshop on the theme of, “Water, Weather, and Well-Being: Climate Change in the Kashmir Valley.”
Faiz Bakshi, Convenor of EPG, opened the session with a welcome address emphasizing the organization’s commitment to environmental advocacy. He said, “EPG is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources, the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the promotion of sustainable development practices. We have actively highlighted environmental issues through Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning the devastating floods of 2014 and ongoing concerns about solid waste management in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite numerous court orders, implementation has been sluggish, often hindered by a lack of commitment from concerned officials. However, the proactive stance taken by the NGT, including imposing significant fines, has begun to foster some hope for enforcement.”
IUST VC Prof. Shakeel Romshoo highlighted the paradox of climate change as a global phenomenon disproportionately affecting regions like Jammu and Kashmir, which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. He expressed concern over how major industrial powers and nations, responsible for significant emissions, have left vulnerable communities in the Himalayas to confront severe climatic consequences. Prof. Romshoo pointed out worrying trends, including altered autumn seasons that are critical for agriculture, exemplified by unprecedented dry spells such as the seven-month drought that disrupted local water resources and agriculture.
Arjumund Hussain Talib, an International Development Specialist and Founder of Ziraat Times, presented on virtual mode and revealed that Jammu & Kashmir is projected to be 60% food-deficient due to changing climatic conditions. He added that this stark projection underscores the immediate need for comprehensive funding and resources dedicated to environmental conservation. He further said that the time has come to consider an Environmental Cess in J&K.
Dr. Khurshid Iqbal, Former Head of Cardiology at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, addressed health vulnerabilities that are increasingly evident due to the climate change. Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, an RTI activist and environmentalist, presented a passionate appeal for urgent action against environmental degradation. Maajid Farooq, a scientist from the Department of Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing, delivered a power point presentation on regional climate trends supported by data analysis. Dr. GN Qasba, Former Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, emphasized the urgent need for urban planning that considers climate resilience.
Altaf Ahmad Andrabi, Former Director, concluded the event with insightful recommendations focusing on grassroots-level actions. The panel discussion was moderated by Er. Ajaz Rasool, Er. Iftikhar Hakim, who facilitated an engaging Q&A session with participants. Er. Iftikhar Hakim presented a vote of thanks.