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.”
The event focused on the profound impacts of climate change on various aspects such as water resources, agriculture, economy, and public health in the region.
Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Professor Shakil Romshoo was the chief guest on the occasion.
With the Kashmir Valley facing increasing erratic weather patterns, unpredictable precipitation, and rising temperatures, the workshop aimed to unite experts, policymakers, academicians, and civil society representatives to deliberate on the urgent threats posed by climate change and suggest remedial measures to be adopted in consideration of assessing the vulnerabilities, identifying adaptation measures, and proposing policy recommendations to bolster resilience in the region.
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.”
The successful workshop featured a series of presentations from eminent speakers providing deep insights into the climate crisis.
In his address, the Chief Guest VC IUST Prof. 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. The pointed out that the decline in saffron productivity, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s culture and economy, reflects the tangible impacts of these shifting climatic patterns. He also noted alarming weather extremes, including the heavy snowfall of 2019 and record-breaking cold temperatures during the harsh Chilai Kalan winter period. He said that with global temperatures rising by 0.8°C in the past century, the Kashmir region is experiencing an even sharper increase of 1.3°C, underscoring the urgent need for global awareness and action to address these local challenges.
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. He pointed out that J&K must strengthen its Social Environmental Impact Assessment regime. He said that lately, we all know that this Regime has become lax, and big projects are barely subject to a transparent system of environmental assessment and mitigation measures that must be taken for damages involved. He further added that as we all know climate change adaptation and mitigation business is cost intensive and J&K would need resources for this work. He referred that we don’t have that kind of money available with the present J&K government and that the J&K government must implement the “Polluter Pays Principle” – a concept in vogue in advanced societies for a long time now – and introduce an Environmental Cess, particularly on high-pollution tourism, construction sector, and other polluting industries. J&K can easily raise Rs 1000 crore from such a cess, that must exclusively go to a Climate Change Fund, primarily for funding climate adaptation and mitigation activities, including afforestation and greening activities.”
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. He said, “The rise in respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations, is directly linked to the environmental degradation we are facing. Poor air quality due to increased dust storms and pollution exacerbates chronic diseases, leading to a public health crisis.”
Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, an RTI activist and environmentalist, presented a passionate appeal for urgent action against environmental degradation.
He said, “The situation in Kashmir is becoming alarmingly critical. We are facing a future where, by 2030, we will have no access to clean drinking water.”
He further said that our reliance on plastic bottled water is a temporary fix for a much larger problem caused by pollution and illegal mining. The government must take immediate action to regulate these activities and restore our natural water sources, or we risk forcing entire communities to migrate due to uninhabitable conditions,” he warned.
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. He stated, “Our research indicates not just shifts in temperature but also significant changes in precipitation patterns that threaten our traditional farming calendars. It is crucial that we use this data to inform our adaptive strategies, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to sustain their livelihoods amidst changing climates.”
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. He remarked, “To mitigate the impacts of climate change, we must engage with communities directly, promoting the cultivation of alternate crops that are better suited for a changing climate. The knowledge and resources must be shared with farmers so they can adapt and remain productive in their fields, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in the region.”
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.
The workshop underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to address climate change in the Kashmir Valley, aiming to foster resilience and sustainable practices in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.
The EPG-IEI will prepare a comprehensive report that will address key findings, analyses, and recommendations relevant to its mandate. Upon completion, this report will be formally submitted to the appropriate level of the Government to ensure it informs and supports effective decision-making processes.