Deforestation, Encroachments Blamed for Recurring Flood Scares in Kashmir; Ratle Power Project Landslide Brings Kashmir’s Fragile Ecology into Focus By: Javid Amin | 04 Sep 2025 Ratle Landslide: A Narrow Escape On September 4, 2025, disaster struck at the Ratle Power Project site in Kishtwar’s Dhrabshala area when a sudden landslide swept down a rain-soaked slope. Temporary tin sheds, being used as washrooms by workers, were buried under a torrent of earth and rock. Five workers were trapped inside. The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma, launched an immediate…
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Deforestation and Encroachments Blamed for Recurring Flood Scares in Kashmir
Kashmir’s Recurring Flood Nightmare By: Javid Amin | 04 Sep 2025 Every monsoon, the Kashmir Valley stands on edge. With each heavy downpour, rivers swell, embankments tremble, and memories of September 2014 resurface — when the Jhelum breached all defences, drowning Srinagar and displacing hundreds of thousands. Eleven years later, despite crores spent on projects like the Jhelum–Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) and the Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP), the Valley continues to live under the shadow of recurring flood threats. Experts, residents, and environmentalists are increasingly pointing to a…
Read MorePahalgam’s tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption
Pahalgam’s environment and culture under threat from tourism By : Javid Amin Pahalgam, nestled in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, has long been renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its lush mountains, meandering rivers, and verdant forests have made it a favored tourist destination. However, in recent years, Pahalgam has encountered a host of challenges, primarily centered around environmental degradation and the growing issue of overtourism. Foremost among these challenges is environmental degradation, stemming from several interconnected factors. Deforestation, driven by logging and land clearance, poses a…
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