M.M.SHUJA
Kashmir Valley a Paradise on Earth is an acknowledged fact across globe. The beautiful part of Northern region is also known for its mesmerizing beauty, Forests, water Bodies, glaciers, Gardens. Every Year Lacs of Tourists of India & abroad are visiting to enjoy the natural beauty of Kashmir. In Valley Tourism is not only the livelihood for Lacs of people but this industry has earned a unique recognition on World Tourism map. There has been witnessed number of hiccups during the period of turmoil due to one or the other reason. During any untoward incident either Tourist left the valley or were forced to leave but every time the people of Kashmir has provided them every possible help & even put their Lives at risk for the Safety of Tourists. During the Pahalgam incident when innocent Tourists Were killed, the stakeholder agitated & Condemned the barbric incident as Kashmir is a place of Hospitality & people are known for their kind gesture across globe.
On one hand when the stake-holders, associated with Tourism Industry are Struggling to get back on the path of progress but on the other side the of Paradise is Losing its glory & Sheen. This is not only because of official apathy but by the people with vested interest. During the period of turmoil, taiking an undue advantage of turmoil in valley, the green Forests were Vandalized & Looted & the Forest & wetlands were encroached. In a reply to an RTI, the department of Forest has furnished astonished figures which reveals that around four LAC kunal of Forests & wetlands have been encroached. Environmentalist believe that it could have been saved by timely action but if the encroachment & vadilization goes with such pace, then in 2050 the Forests Could be only as a syllabus for Environmental students. The another Concern is Shrinking of wetlands in the UT of J&K which not only has Created Flood havoc from time to time but have witnessed a sharp decline of migratory birds every year as their habitat has been vanished. Hokersar, Shalibug, Haigam, encroachment is everywhere. During our visit to wetlands this summer only we found dry Land but not wet. In Kashmir valley there are Some prominent activists fighting for the restoration of water bodies. FAIZ Bakshi , convenior (Environmental policy Group), Manzoor Wangnoo (NLCO), Dr Raja Murzafar Bhat along with their team are working tirelessly to restore the glory of Pa radise. EPG filed a Public interest Litigation (PiL) after 2014 Floods in the High Court of J&K & Ladakh. The group is visiting Wetlands frequently & has succeed to build pressure on authorities to restore its glory. The High Court passed several orders & has directed the government to take apt steps to avoid another devastation Like 2014. The group is monitoring with its expert team & are submitting their reports to Higher authorities. The another group headed by Manzoor Wangnoo (NLCO) has been successful in restoring the Springs of Srinagar city & its adjoing areas and are also creating awareness in Schools & other Educational establishments, Arif Shafi Wani Senior Journalist has a lot of contribution in Public awareness through Print media. Though the results of environmentalists are encouraging but on other side officials of Concerned departments have miserably failed to discharge their duties. Form Plantation drive to awareness, only Publicity on Social media while as the result is poor. Just to be in time-light, these activities are being carried out by the concerned department & huge funds have been utilized without any desired results.
The Government of J&K is Salient on the grave issue of deforestration, revival of Water-bodies, wetlands & to enhance the Carrying Capacity of river Jhelum, no proposal has been put forward yet, though Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister has issued statements on fragile Environment of the region but no concrete steps have been taken, as if the Government is leaving everything on the shoulders of Civil Society Group.
During the Summer season Kashmir Witnessed a humid temperature. The mercury was above the normal, the heat wave not only bothered the locals but it has affected the Tourism sector as well. Many Tourists complained that heat wave was above the Northern States, due to which many Tourist Cut Short or even Cancelled their Tripp, so the Environment has impacted our Tourism sector which is backbone of our industry.
Before it is too late, the government should frame a clear policy to save forests, wet lands, water bodies. Customary functions & Photo shoot Can’t Serve any purpose unless Government acts swiftly and sincerely. If serious steps are not being taken, then further disasters is inevitable. The frequent closure of National highway 44-, Cloud-burst in Chenab valley are eye opener for those who are taking environment as subject but are neglecting the consequences. Our horticulture sector has suffered huge losses due to blockade of road. Many orchardist have even not recovered the money which they spend on spray or the maintainces of their orchads.
For development of the region, Roads, Dams, Bridges, Tunnels,Flayover are to be built but under proper Environmental clearance from experts. The accountability is mandatory & there should be proper coordination between different departments, before any construction. Action should be taken against the erring officials who have misused the public fund. Let’s keep politics & bureaucratic favour aside. If we disturb the Nature, it retaliates back with disaster, destruction, & decimation.
The Author is Senior Journalist/ Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
