Urge Government Attention and Immediate Action
Kashmir pen News Bureau
Srinagar, June 5,2025: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC), Jammu & Kashmir, in a special meeting chaired by Mr. Khurshid A. Ganai, discussed a range of critical public issues and made a fervent appeal to the Government to address them with urgency, in order to alleviate the growing difficulties faced by the common people.
On the state of healthcare services, the Group expressed concern that hospitals in Srinagar remain overburdened and stretched beyond capacity, largely due to the absence of adequate specialized medical facilities at the district level—even after the establishment of new medical colleges. “It is imperative to bridge the gaps in the district-level healthcare delivery system without further delay, to spare patients the hardship of travelling to Srinagar for treatment,” the GCC stated. The Group also stressed the need to strictly enforce the ban on private practice by doctors posted in medical colleges, associated hospitals, and SKIMS.
The Group further highlighted the growing incidence of cancer in the region and called for the establishment of dedicated Cancer Hospitals in both Srinagar and Jammu.
Addressing the issue of unabated conversion of agricultural land for construction, the GCC noted the lack of a clear policy or strong enforcement to curb this trend. They emphasized that agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture must be prioritized, as these sectors remain the highest contributors to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, income, and employment after the services sector. The Group proposed the promotion of modern agricultural practices, including vertical farming for vegetables and fruits, greenhouses for winter cultivation, and indoor farming of mushrooms and select crops.
On the matter of unemployment, the GCC observed that skilling and startup policies in J&K remain grossly inadequate given the widespread joblessness across sectors. Unlike other states, there has been no significant initiative to train youth in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields.
Raising concerns about environmental degradation, the Group noted that rivers, lakes, and other water bodies have become dumping grounds for all types of solid waste. “There is an urgent need to transform public attitudes towards the use of non-biodegradable materials. Citizens must actively support official efforts to preserve and protect our natural resources,” the statement read. At the same time, the Government must demonstrate stronger resolve and come forward with effective, implementable policies for sustainable solid waste management, particularly in handling plastics and e-waste. The GCC urged the administration to act decisively on the four foundational principles of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.
The Group also called for careful scrutiny of any proposals for lateral expansion of the railway network within the Valley, pointing out the potential impact on agricultural land and human habitations. However, the GCC welcomed the proposed extension of the Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line to Kupwara and the expansion of train services from Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch | Kashmir Pen
