Srinagar, Feb 4: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has called for immediate government intervention to address the escalating environmental crisis in the Kashmir Valley, highlighting degradation of natural resources, mismanagement of wetlands, and growing public health threats.

EPG warns that unchecked deforestation, illegal dumping of solid waste, and unplanned urbanisation have severely damaged the valley’s ecosystems. Air and water pollution, especially around Srinagar’s Aachen solid waste site, have reached alarming levels, posing health risks to tens of thousands of residents.
The group also pointed to the destruction of globally significant sites such as the Guryul Ravine, Permian-Triassic Fossil Park, Khonmoh, Mandakpal, Barus, and Pastun (Tral), which have been impacted by illegal mining and mountain cutting for construction material instead of being preserved as conservation areas.
Institutional weaknesses exacerbate the crisis, with the Forest and Wildlife Departments facing staff shortages, vacant field-level positions, and insufficient trained personnel to enforce environmental laws effectively.
EPG has recommended urgent measures, including:
Declaring air pollution, water contamination, and untreated solid waste as public health emergencies with dedicated budgets and time-bound action plans.
Increasing funding for the conservation and management of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other water bodies.
Reviving and fully implementing lagging Wetland Management Action Plans.
Allocating Rs 10 crore for conservation and development of the Guryul Ravine and Permian-Triassic Fossil Park, Khonmoh.
Avoiding environmentally degrading projects in seismic Zone V1 areas, in light of lessons from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ramban.
Strengthening the Forest and Wildlife Departments by filling vacant posts and restructuring with trained personnel.
Halting illegal sale of wetland soil, stopping encroachment of wetlands, agricultural and forest lands, and enforcing strict regulations on construction and mountain cutting.
EPG stressed that coordinated, expert-backed action is essential to restore ecological balance, protect public health and livelihoods, and prevent avoidable disasters. The group appealed to the government, legislators, planners, and policymakers to support these recommendations across party lines in the public interest.
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