#SustainableDevelopment Archives

ST Status for Paharis: Lok Sabha Says Yes, But Jammu Raises Concerns

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024 Editor

Bill also added Paddari Tribe, Gadda Brahman, and Koli communities to ST list; another Bill to include Valmiki community and synonyms in SC list was also passed Amid street protests led by the Scheduled Tribe Gujjar-Bakarwal community in Jammu against the inclusion of the Pahari Ethnic group in the Union Territory’s Scheduled Tribes list, Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Bill to include this community in the UT’s ST list, with Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda categorically asserting that benefits meant for existing STs in the UT will not be…

J&K’s Natural Riches: Omar Abdullah Claims First Dibs for Locals

December 4, 2023 Editor

Omar Abdullah, the National Conference Vice President, has ignited a debate by boldly declaring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have the first and foremost claim over their natural resources. He made this statement during a recent address to party workers, emphasizing that locals deserve the lion’s share of benefits from their land’s natural wealth. Abdullah’s statement packs a punch, especially considering the ongoing controversy surrounding resource utilization in J&K. Critics argue that outsiders often reap the rewards, leaving locals with little to show for their land’s bounty. Here’s…

Pahalgam’s tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

September 24, 2023 Editor

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…

Srinagar: A city in need of sustainable development

September 6, 2023 Editor

Ensure implementation of Climate Resilient City Action Plan for the summer capital By: Arif Shafi Wani Blessed with lakes, wetlands, gardens and mountains, Srinagar is one the major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir. However, haphazard development, especially in past over three decades, has disturbed eco-system of the bustling city. Spread over 246 sq.km, Srinagar is the largest populated city in J&K with a population of 1.50 million people. The city is the main hub of tourism and trade activities. For centuries, Srinagar has been the abode of all rulers…

The Time To Act Is Now: Protect Mountains States from Climate Crisis

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 Editor

Addressing the Climate Crisis in India’s Mountain States: The Urgent Need for New Infrastructure Policies By: Javid Amin The mountain states of India find themselves at the forefront of a growing climate crisis. Recent catastrophic events in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand serve as stark reminders of the pressing need for immediate action to safeguard these vulnerable regions. The impact of the climate crisis is being felt through increasingly severe weather events, including floods, landslides, and droughts. These events result in extensive damage to critical infrastructure, displacement of communities, and a…