The Himalayan brown bear, an endangered subspecies found in the mountainous regions of Kashmir, is reported to be under threat due to human activities, particularly in areas like Sonamarg. This once pristine habitat has become a hotspot for tourism, and ongoing infrastructure projects have encroached upon the natural environment crucial to the survival of the brown bear and other wildlife. In this regard, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to survey and produce a comprehensive report on the environmental impact, with a specific focus on the bear’s habitat. As a result, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, markets, and infrastructure such as roads and tunnels have emerged, causing significant habitat fragmentation. Beyond construction, waste generation in Sonamarg has reached alarming levels. According to JKPCC’s recent reports, Sonamarg generates 7-10 metric tons of solid waste daily, spiking to nearly 20 metric tons during peak tourist seasons. A study highlighted that up to 75% of the Himalayan brown bear’s diet in Sonamarg includes human-made garbage, such as plastic and organic food waste, as bears scavenge on improperly disposed refuse, which is not only inadequate for their nutritional needs but also harmful to their health. This situation poses the dual threat of altering the bears’ natural behaviors and increasing human-bear conflict, as bears become accustomed to foraging near human settlements. To mitigate these impacts, the NGT has called for a comprehensive study that covers a range of objectives aimed at restoring the habitat for the brown bear and enforcing sustainable tourism practices. Some of the key objectives include assessing habitat degradation. The study should analyze the extent of habitat fragmentation and degradation caused by construction projects and human interference. This would include mapping critical areas for brown bear populations and assessing the impact of tourism infrastructure on wildlife corridors and food sources. The panel’s report also highlighted that piles of untreated solid waste were found dumped in and around the waste management facility managed by the Sonamarg Development Authority. The survey should assess waste disposal practices and recommend sustainable solutions to reduce the amount of waste left in bear habitats. Effective waste management could prevent bears from foraging on garbage, thereby reducing the risk of conflict with humans and preserving their natural diet. The construction of tunnels and roads in Sonamarg affects the ecology of the region. The survey should evaluate the broader ecological consequences of these projects and assess whether they contribute to habitat fragmentation. Where possible, recommendations should include reforestation, fencing of certain areas, and the establishment of wildlife corridors to facilitate safe bear movement. The study should explore measures to reduce the risk of human-bear encounters, which have been increasing due to bears scavenging near tourist sites. Proposals could include creating buffer zones, setting up feeding stations away from populated areas, and deploying education campaigns to make tourists and locals aware of safe practices. The NGT has further stressed the need for systematic conservation actions based on JKPCC’s findings to save the Himalayan brown bear population.
Habitat Conservation
