Environment Archives | Page 2 of 45

Veeri Calls for High-Level Inquiry into Chinar Tree Felling in Anantnag

February 27, 2025 Editor

MLA Bijbehara Seeks Inquiry into Felling of Chinar Trees in South Kashmir’s Anantnag Srinagar, February 26, 2025 – The felling of 500-year-old Chinar trees in Anantnag’s Rani Bagh has evoked sharp criticism from environmentalists and activists. National Conference MLA from Bijbehara, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, has called for an inquiry into the incident. Veeri’s Call for Accountability In a post on X, Veeri stated, “These pictures must be reported to the National Green Tribunal for cognizance & accountability. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag should initiate a high-level inquiry, book…

Violation of Conservation Laws: EPG Demands Accountability for Felling of Chinar Trees

February 25, 2025February 26, 2025 Editor

EPG Strongly Denounces Felling of Centuries-Old Chinar Trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag Srinagar, February 26, 2025 – The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has strongly condemned the deeply distressing felling of centuries-old Chinar trees in Rani Bagh, Anantnag. These trees, believed to be over 500 years old, hold immense historical, cultural, and ecological value. Their destruction represents a blatant violation of the laws established to protect such heritage and a grave injustice to the legacy of Kashmir. Historical and Cultural Significance The Chinar trees in Rani Bagh are not just symbols…

Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat: Power Generation Down 83%

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025 Editor

Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The stark reality of climate change has become increasingly evident at the Baglihar Dam along the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Chenab Valley. The prestigious Baglihar hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 900 MW, is currently generating a mere 150 MW of power, signifying a decline of 83 percent. “Climate change and less precipitation are having a direct impact on the power generation from Baglihar,” said a senior Power Development Department (PDD) official, noting that both stages…

Grassroots Initiative in Kashmir: Villagers Join Hands to Clean and Restore Streams

February 20, 2025 Editor

Kashmir villages unite to save water bodies; Armed with gloves, masks, and trash bags, the volunteers also cleared the stream’s banks of weeds and debris, allowing the water to flow freely once again Srinagar, Feb 19: Following the initiative taken by the residents of Muniward village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district earlier this month to clean the Jhelum tributary, Sandran, more villages are joining the movement to restore and preserve water bodies across Kashmir. On Monday, young volunteers from Ratnipora village in Pulwama district undertook a massive cleanup drive of…

Climate Change Threatens Kashmir’s Identity: Naeem Akhtar Calls for Rapid Response

February 18, 2025 Editor

Kashmir’s basic character under threat due to climate change, No Quick-Fix Solutions; Akhtar Urges Govt to Balance Ecology and Development, Form Rapid Response Force Srinagar, Feb 17: Peoples Democratic Party leader and former Minister Naeem Akhtar on Monday urged the government to constitute a rapid response force and make it a top priority to address the pervasive climate impacts in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the PDP leader, the situation has the potential to alter the character of this Himalayan region, which otherwise serves as a source of ecological stability…

Unpredictable Weather and Dry Spell Ignite Forest Fires in Kashmir

February 17, 2025 Editor

Prolonged Dry Spell: Forest fire breaks out at multiple places in Kashmir The massive forest fire erupted at multiple places across the Valley on Sunday while as the experts here have attributed the rise in forest fire incidents to both climatic factors and human negligence. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a massive fire broke out in Tral forests. He said that a forest fire broke out in Pinglish area of Tral area and has spread to other areas as well. Another official told KNO that forest…

Illegal Riverbed Mining in Kashmir Leads to Drying Up of Springs in Pulwama and Beyond

February 8, 2025 Editor

Illegal Riverbed Mining in Kashmir Leading to Drying Up of Springs By: Javid Amin Srinagar, February 8, 2025 – The natural springs of Kashmir, which have been crucial sources of drinking water for centuries, are under threat due to illegal riverbed mining. One such example is Bulbul Nag, located in Newa village of Pulwama district, which has historically provided water to the entire area. This spring, among many others, has been chosen by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, also known as the Jal Shakti Department, as a key water…

Kashmir’s Warm January: 75% Less Snow and Day Temps 6 Degrees Higher Than Normal

February 5, 2025 Editor

Kashmir records 75% snow deficit in Jan, day temperatures 6 degrees above normal Srinagar 04 Feb : Kashmir, also known as the Paradise on Earth, is losing its sheen due to drastic changes in weather patterns across the region. In January 2025, Kashmir Valley witnessed a 75 per cent dip in precipitation, and not only that, day temperatures have also risen and been recorded 6 degrees above the normal. Winter in the Valley has always been about snow-covered mountain ranges, huge tourist footfalls to witness the winter wonderland, and sub-zero…

Experts Sound Alarm: Kashmir’s Snowfall Drop Could Lead to Water Scarcity

January 31, 2025 Editor

Kashmir receiving less snowfall can lead to water scarcity in coming months, say experts Srinagar, Jan 30 : Kashmir witnessing less snowfall during peak winter season this year could lead to water scarcity in coming months, experts said on Thursday. Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the experts said the changing weather patterns have led to decline in the intensity of snowfall in Kashmir and it can have far reaching consequences. Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the snowfall in winters is important for the…

J&K Government and Chief Secretary’s Directives on Waste Management Welcomed by EPG

January 21, 2025 Editor

EPG Applauds J&K Government and Chief Secretary’s Directives on Solid Waste Management Environmental Policy Group Welcomes Major Steps Towards Comprehensive Waste Management in Jammu & Kashmir –The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has warmly welcomed the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s decision to remediate the Achan Dumping Site and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s recent directive that mandates a deadline for municipalities in J&K to prepare comprehensive Waste Management Action Plans. This strategic decision, made during a review meeting with the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), signals a significant leap forward in…