Syed Nissar H Gilani
As the final days of December 2025 draw to a close, marking the passage of a turbulent year, we look ahead to 2026 with a deep sense of reflection. The year gone by was defined by profound global conflicts and persistent local challenges, leaving an indelible mark on communities worldwide.
Globally, 2025 witnessed the tragic escalation of the Israel-Iran war and the unprecedented scale of the bombing in Gaza, events that shook the world to its core. Alongside the prolonged Ukraine conflict, diplomatic efforts—whether at the United Nations or in venues like Qatar—remained live and vibrant but often met with minimal success, highlighting the immense difficulty in forging lasting peace.
Locally, the horrific incident of innocent killings in Boisaran, Pahalgam, drew global condemnation. This heinous act resulted in natural and immediate repercussions: the vital tourism trade in Kashmir came to a sudden halt. Bustling Srinagar streets and key tourist destinations transformed into ghost towns, a stark reminder of how terror activities invariably lead to disaster, turning peace into a casualty that affects every sector—from education and healthcare to administration and industry.
Unfortunately, the region faced deep domestic crises impacting public welfare. The unprecedented mutton scandal in Srinagar and other major towns resulted in the seizure of thousands of kilograms of contaminated meat, posing an immense health risk. Compounding this, social struggles were painfully visible as a small, yet significant, number of young people attempted to take their own lives by jumping into the River Jhelum, primarily near Chattabal and Safa Kadal. Prompt administrative action was required to prevent further such incidents
Adding to the public health concerns, the year highlighted a worrying trend in the medical sector. Reports of avoidable deaths in some modern private medical centers and the proliferation of fake practitioners across the region became a critical concern. Despite efforts by government agencies to address the problem, this evil remains active, further complicated by individuals operating medical shops with fraudulent drug licenses. This menace creates a significant health risk, pushing thousands of patients to the wall and demanding immediate, decisive action against those engaged in such deceptive practices.
The societal challenges continued with the persistent grip of drug addiction among the youth. While tireless de-addiction campaigns by both governmental and non-governmental organizations remain active in rehabilitation efforts, the issue endures. Furthermore, the year saw a surge in matrimonial disputes and an increase in criminals engaged in duping innocent citizens, with digital scams now beginning to take hold, reflecting a worrying shift in criminal methodology.
The Dual Realities of Development and Environment
Amidst these challenges, the year also contained seeds of growth, particularly in connectivity and economic opportunity. Major infrastructure projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project have been commissioned, generating millions of man-days of employment and strengthening the movement of goods and people. Furthermore, the tourism sector, when security permits, showed resilience, often serving as a key engine for regional economic revival.
However, this push for development has collided with an intensifying environmental crisis. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it manifests in the rapid recession of key glaciers, unpredictable weather patterns affecting agriculture, and increased frequency of floods. Simultaneously, urban centers faced alarming environmental distress, with parts of the Kashmir Valley recording dangerously high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels during the winter. This decline in air and water quality—from polluted river systems to the visible smog over Srinagar—threatens both the health of the populace and the very foundation of the tourism industry, forcing an overdue reckoning on sustainable development practices.
The year 2025, thus, stands as a testament to both global strife and internal struggles. Yet, as the calendar turns, ushering in 2026, we look forward with a sense of renewed hope. For the younger generation, dreaming high and making blueprints for their future, a strategic shift is essential. With limited government employment opportunities available, our youth need to redraft their strategies, opting for diverse streams in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism that offer better financial and personal futures. With this renewed focus on peace, public health, sustainable strategy, and collective action, we wish a Happy New Year to all.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department, can be reached at (nisargilani57748@gmail.com
