Climate change, unsustainable activities threaten Kashmir’s fragile ecosystems: Experts

Srinagar, Jun 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, prominent environmental experts and academicians from Jammu and Kashmir stressed the urgent need to safeguard the region’s fragile ecosystems, warning that climate change and unsustainable human activities are posing serious threats to the Himalayan environment and the livelihoods dependent upon it.
Professor Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, distinguished Earth scientist, glaciologist and Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), said World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the profound environmental challenges confronting the Indian Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the region is facing multiple interconnected challenges such as climate change, glacier retreat, water insecurity, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, all of which threaten environmental stability and sustainable development.
“World Environment Day reminds us of the profound environmental challenges confronting the Indian Himalaya, including Jammu and Kashmir. These challenges are deeply interconnected and require solutions that are rooted in science and guided by sustainability,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of this year’s World Environment Day themes, including Nature-based Solutions, climate resilience and the circular economy, Prof Romshoo said these approaches provide a practical framework for protecting the environment while simultaneously supporting economic growth and social well-being.
He said that advances in science and technology have significantly enhanced the understanding of environmental changes taking place across the Himalayan region. Scientific monitoring, environmental assessment and knowledge generation have enabled researchers and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding conservation and climate adaptation, he added.
The noted scientist said that through the application of science and technology, we have strengthened our ability to monitor environmental changes and generate scientific evidence that informs policy and decision-making. However, while scientific progress is important, we must also recognise the intrinsic value of nature and promote a harmonious coexistence between people and the ecosystems upon which their well-being depends, he said.
Calling for collective responsibility, Prof Romshoo urged governments, institutions and citizens to work together to protect mountain ecosystems, restore degraded wetlands, secure water resources and adopt climate-resilient development pathways.
“On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting our fragile mountain ecosystems, restoring wetlands, safeguarding water resources and pursuing environmentally sustainable development for present and future generations,” he added.
Echoing similar concerns, environmentalist and former academician Dr M.R.D. Kundangar stressed the need to conserve the region’s natural assets before irreversible damage occurs.
“Our natural resources, including lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, are under immense pressure due to misuse and neglect. Climate change is increasingly threatening glaciers and other critical ecosystems. These resources are our heritage and must be preserved at all costs for future generations,” he said.
Dr Kundangar warned that continued degradation of water bodies and ecological systems could have far-reaching consequences for water security, biodiversity and public welfare across the region.
Dr Aamir Hussain Bhat, Manager SECAP (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan), said environmental protection should be viewed not merely as an option but as a collective responsibility.
“Environmental protection is no longer a choice; it is a responsibility. The true measure of development lies not in what we build today, but in what we preserve for tomorrow,” he said.
Dr Bhat said that World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding natural resources is a duty owed to future generations. He pointed out that climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution continue to emerge as major challenges to sustainable development worldwide.
He stressed that governments, educational institutions, local communities and individuals must work collectively to promote environmentally responsible practices and reduce ecological footprints.
“Every tree planted, every water source protected and every sustainable choice made today contributes to a healthier, more resilient and environmentally secure future,” he said.
According to experts, preserving Kashmir’s glaciers, wetlands, forests and water bodies is crucial not only for ecological balance but also for ensuring long-term economic and social sustainability. They called upon citizens to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles and support conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the Valley’s unique natural heritage. (KNO)