
IIOJK rapidly losing its natural heritage
June 7, 2025Experts and activists have warned that Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is rapidly losing its natural heritage—shrinking wetlands, polluted rivers and degraded forests.
Co-founder and trustee of Environmental Policy Group (EPG) Dr Tauseef Ahmad Butt, speaking at an event in Sopore in connection with World Environmental Day said Kashmir is losing its natural heritage.He said the Wular, Haigam and other critical wetlands are shrinking. “Our rivers are polluted, and our forests fragmented. If we don’t act decisively today, the loss will be irreversible. This is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a matter of survival for future generations,” he warned.The event was organised by the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) in collaboration with the North Forest Circle of the J&K Forest Department at Valley Public School. It focused on the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”.