Last Updated on October 26, 2021 at 11:14 am
The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is facing environmental challenges from last few years at alarming rates. Moreover, there is no focus on finalizing the environment policy which was prepared by Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing more than three years back.
Forest Department which is supposed to play key role in clearing inter-departmental issues and hold hectic deliberations with all the stakeholders is showing a lackadaisical attitude.
J&K is facing main challenge of environmental degradation as a result of unsustainable use of its natural resources for economic growth and development.
Activities leading to environmental degradation include poverty, population growth, inappropriate technology and consumption choices, unsustainable land use practices, poor soil and water management practices, deforestation, overgrazing and pollution and developmental activities such as road construction, intensive agriculture, polluting industry and unplanned urbanization.
Environment Policy for guiding the government’s efforts to deal environmental issues was framed by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing in the year 2018 and subsequently the same was put in the public domain for inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and departments within 4-weeks’ time.
As per reports, even after the three years the draft Environmental Policy has not been approved.
Though many a times request has been made to Forest Department by Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing but Forest Department has not initiated the exercise of holding deliberations with the stakeholders.
