Mountain Policy rooted in sustainability

Jammu and Kashmir’s ambition to become the first Himalayan territory to adopt a Mountain Development Policy presents an opportunity to redefine development in a region whose economy, livelihoods and future are inseparable from its fragile ecology. However, as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rightly cautioned, such a policy cannot be framed in isolation. It must reflect local realities, scientific evidence and the concerns of communities that depend on mountain resources. The need for a comprehensive framework has become increasingly urgent. Irregular snowfall, declining rainfall, cloudbursts and recurring landslides are reminders that climate change is already affecting lives and livelihoods. In this changing environment, development cannot follow conventional approaches that prioritise immediate gains while overlooking long-term ecological costs. Agriculture and horticulture remain central to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, supporting thousands of families alongside tourism. Protecting fertile land, water sources and forest cover is therefore not merely an environmental responsibility; it is an economic necessity. A mountain policy must safeguard these sectors while creating opportunities for sustainable growth. Tourism presents a particularly difficult challenge. It provides livelihoods to many families, making arbitrary restrictions impractical. At the same time, destinations with limited carrying capacity cannot withstand unlimited pressure. Dispersing tourism to suitable locations, improving waste management and enforcing environmental standards can help balance economic interests with ecological limits. Responsibility must also extend beyond visitors. Plastic pollution, careless waste disposal, encroachments and unsustainable resource use require stronger public awareness and enforcement. Citizens, businesses and government agencies must share responsibility for protecting the environment. Equally important is scientific infrastructure development. Unscientific hill cutting and inadequate slope stabilisation increase landslide risks, damage roads and waste public resources. Engineering standards, environmental assessments and coordination between the Forest and Environment and Public Works departments must become integral to every project. A Mountain Development Policy must ultimately move beyond declarations to measurable action. Community participation, independent monitoring and accountability will be essential. Jammu and Kashmir can lead the Himalayan region, but genuine leadership will depend on demonstrating that economic progress and ecological protection can advance together.