IIOJK’s Natural Heritage at Risk: Experts Call for Urgent Environmental Action

As IIOJK’s forests vanish, wetlands shrink, and rivers choke with plastic, environmentalists warn: the time to act is now—or risk losing the Valley’s natural legacy forever.

Environmental experts and activists have raised alarms over the rapid ecological degradation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).Shrinking wetlands, polluted rivers, and deteriorating forests are becoming stark indicators of a region losing its natural heritage at an alarming pace.Speaking at an event in Sopore on World Environment Day , Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Butt, co-founder of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), warned that the Valley’s critical ecosystems, such as the Wular and Haigam wetlands, are vanishing. “Our rivers are contaminated, forests fragmented, and unless we act today, the damage may become permanent,” he said. Dr. Butt stressed that this crisis is not just environmental—it’s about the survival of future generations.Organized jointly by EPG and the North Forest Circle of the J\&K Forest Department, the event centered on the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.”Faiz Bakshi, EPG Convenor, emphasized that tackling plastic waste is more than a campaign—it’s a necessity. “We are nurturing the next generation to become responsible stewards of the environment,” he stated, highlighting the importance of environmental education.In a symbolic gesture, Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle, led a plantation drive. He described IIOJK’s current ecological state as a tipping point. “Nature is deteriorating before our eyes. Involving the youth in Sopore is the right step—they are the future guardians of this land,” he added.Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a respected poet and historian, reflected on the spiritual disconnection from nature. “We once lived in harmony with the environment,” he said. “Now, plastic has polluted our rivers and darkened our skies. Our disconnection from nature is a cultural crisis, and it’s time students lead a silent environmental revolution.”S.A. Raina, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, stressed the importance of local-level action. “Environmental responsibility begins at the mohalla level,” he said. “From banning plastic to planting trees, community efforts are vital.”Mohammad Shafi Bachha, former Conservator Wildlife, urged students to act as “ambassadors of biodiversity,” advocating for the protection of every plant, animal, and water body.Altaf Ahmad Andrabi, former Director of Agriculture, highlighted the link between environmental damage and the threat to food systems. “Soil and water degradation are already putting IIOJK’s agriculture at risk,” he noted, calling for sustainable farming practices.Environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri, who led the session, framed the crisis within a legal and civic context. “Laws alone can’t save our environment—collective awareness and community action are essential,” he said.The event concluded with a community pledge to reduce plastic use, safeguard Kashmir’s natural resources, and promote eco-conscious living through education, cultural revival, and citizen participation.