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Kashmir's Water Crisis: Glaciers Receding, Lakes Vanishing
26 Jun
Summary
- 518 of 697 lakes in J&K have disappeared or are receding.
- A 'Decade of Water Security and Ecological Restoration' is declared.
- Experts warn of ecological degradation and declining forest cover.
The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) has highlighted the critical issue of retreating glaciers and shrinking water bodies in Kashmir, proposing a Chief Minister-led Commission on Water Security and Ecological Resilience. This initiative aims to monitor glaciers, springs, and watersheds amidst warnings of ecological degradation.
The period from 2026 to 2035 has been declared the 'Decade of Water Security and Ecological Restoration in J&K'. The GCC's 10-point proposal includes integrated river basin management and climate risk action plans.
A recent CAG report indicates a staggering loss of 70% of wetlands and waterbodies in Jammu & Kashmir since the 1960s, with 315 out of 697 lakes vanishing entirely. This situation is termed an 'environmental emergency' by GCC chairman Khurshid Ahmed Ganai.
Concerns have also been raised about the Forest Amendment Act of 2023, which allows security infrastructure in forest areas without an Environment Impact Assessment. Furthermore, large-scale infrastructure development, including road and tunnel construction, is contributing to ecological damage and destabilizing mountain ecosystems, echoing issues seen in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
