Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 26 : Experts at the Environment Policy Group (EPG) meeting here slammed the political parties for not mentioning environmental policy in their political manifestos, saying the valley produces 800 metric tonnes of waste daily. They said Kashmiri was heading towards an “environmental disaster”.
According to details obtained by the news agency, the EPG held an interactive meeting on Sunday here in which concerned citizens, along with experts from across the valley participated to share their thoughts on the various environmental issues that are assailing the region.
During the meeting, the experts recalled the lessons from the devastating floods of 2014.
It was resolved that all necessary measures will be taken to save Kashmir’s fragile environment, said Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Convenor, EPG.
“There was an emerging consensus that while development was all-important, it was time to restore and conserve its critically vital wetlands,” he added.
The speakers expressed resentment that there was no mention of any environmental policy in the political manifestos of various political parties.
Quoting research, they expressed concern over the 800 metric tonnes of waste generated every day in Kashmir.
“We are moving towards disaster by not planting trees and destroying our environment,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar, RTI Activist and Chairman RTI Movement.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to save the wetlands of Kashmir and place more emphasis on environmental conservation in the region.
Kashmir, often celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, is facing an alarming environmental decline. The region’s wetlands, forests and water bodies have been severely impacted by rapid urbanisation, poor waste management and shrinking natural habitats.
The 2014 floods, one of the worst natural disasters in recent history, highlighted the fragility of Kashmir’s environment and prompted calls for urgent and sustained conservation efforts
