WE THE PEOPLE
Celebration of ‘World Environment Day’ every year has failed to yield positive dividends in Kashmir valley
Hence people urge Authorities to stop encroachments on water bodies and protect forests to preserve environment
By: Shirjeel Ahmad
SRINAGAR: It has become an annual feature to celebrate ‘World Environment Day’ on June 6 globally and J&K Government too has been following the suit. Stress is being laid on making optimum use of latest technologies to reduce dependence on energy resources like wood, thermal power and fossil fuels. Demand for adoption of alternatives like solar power, wind energy and hydroelectric power is gaining momentum to promote and ensure low carbon emission. No doubt, there is utmost need to protect forests, conserve bio-diversity, natural resources and wetlands for low carbon economy.
It goes without saying that water resources, forests and agriculture are under tremendous pressure due to migration of rural population to urban belts. The Jammu and Kashmir is thus facing loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, soil erosion, scarcity of water and unplanned urbanization. Excessive use of fuel wood, tremendous rise in the number of automobiles, increase in pollution discharging industries like cement factories, brick-kilns, stone crushers and diesel generators have been contributing pollution and increasing carbon level to a very high extent. Ensuring sustainable development, which simultaneously should take care of the environment by conserving forests, water and soil resources, can fight the menace. People should come out to ensure strict implementation of the orders regarding use of polythene. Even State Judiciary has issued clear instructions to ban the polythene in all forms. But the use of this dangerous substance still remains unchecked in Kashmir Valley. It is mainly due to laxity and indifference on the part of State functionaries, especially the officials of State Pollution Control Board. The Board is charged with the responsibility to control pollution in water-bodies, factories, brick-kilns and all others, which contribute to environmental pollution.
We must also remember that Kashmir Valley is famous for its tourist spots and tourism is the main stay of State’s economy. We must equally remember that tourism and environment are intrinsically related with each other. The development and upgradation of tourist sector depends on a clean environment free from all hazards. Environmentally responsible tourism is a new concept the world over. There are two aspects of the relation between tourism and environment. Tourism depends heavily on an unspoilt natural environment. The world over, location of scenic beauty and unspoilt natural splendour has replaced heritage monuments in tourism trends. Therefore, for tourism to survive, protection of these natural environments becomes a pre-requisite.
“ In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty explains the significance and importance of environment and ecology. Clear directions are given to human beings to keep environment clean and minimize pollution levels to allow humans lead a better life. But it is unfortunate that greed has overtaken humans overwhelmingly and they have consigned Quranic instructions to oblivion. This is the reason we are suffering today and water-bodies and green wealth are diminishing at a fast pace. Reduction of water-bodies and denudation of forests have already shown negative effects and we are confronted with several hazards today. It is still time that people wake-up and realize the gravity of the situation. Efforts are required to recover the lost water-bodies and revive forest wealth so that posterity shall not curse us tomorrow”, said a group of Conscientious persons of Kashmir Valley.
Hence, it becomes necessary on the part of people, especially the youth, private and government institutions, academic and professional bodies to come forward and protect the environment. Celebration of World Environment Day must infuse new thought in our minds so that the results are felt and become discernible when we celebrate the ‘Day’in the years to come!
More 
