With J&K topping the charts as one of the most corrupt states and hundreds of illegal saw mills operational on the mountains from decades, looting it of its natural wealth, J&K preparing to tackle climate change impact seems to be another planning for a big loot. This feels so because till today nothing has been done to restore forest cover on Shivaliks (Hills surrounding Patnitop and Sanasar tourist spots) and Pir Panjal Range (Mountains surrounding Kashmir Valley).
With concerns rising over the environmental degradation in the state due to existing and upcoming development projects, the state has formulated draft of State Action Plan on Climate change (SAPCC), the first of its kind in Jammu Kashmir. Its really shameful that such basic Action plans and guidelines are not in place till now and where ever they are, its only on paper and nothing is implemented.
Action Plan covers the following -
1. The complex nature of climate change impact in 3 diverse regions of the state - Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh
2. The necessity for strengthening institutional and financial (the most fishy part) capacity to adapt to climate change.
3. The need to develop area and region specific climate strategies and actions.
4. The need for research to understand the likely impact of climate change in the state.
Experts say that the Himalayan region is a source of many rivers flowing perennially round the year. Keeping in view destruction of forests and air pollution, 2% increase in the temperature by 2050 will result in 35% of glaciers disappears, which could pose a problem for the state.
Jammu & Kashmir Government has always blamed insurgency/ militancy for everything and its no surprise that they blame it for the destruction of forest wealth. Thus they are a party in looting the forest wealth along with the poachers and are now drafting this action plan to make more money like they have been doing till now with impunity in the last two decades.
They will obviously be trying to make a big money in US $ by roping in international organizations like United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in the name of environment. Government of India and International Agencies must keep an eye on the proper utilization of funds because if they can swallow a Complete International Cricket Stadium (I have written separate article on my blog) and existing Forest Wealth, doing away with whats just on paper is very easy.
Rather than wasting billions of rupees, if they could implement the forest laws honestly and stop illegal deforestation, things will be much better. Apart from that, Government owned (Forest Department) Plant Nurseries can afford to give saplings for Re.1- Rs.5 each. If Govt of India or J&K State Govt gives 1 plant every month free of cost to each government employee, including Armed Forces & Police and asks them to plant them or get them planted in the surrounding hills or parks, the much needed Green Cover will be replenished within 1 year.
We have been organizing World Environment Day every year in our school from past 3 years and take out an awareness rally and distribute around 500 plants free of cost to students and to passers by during the rally. We had posted the photos of the same with above mentioned suggestions to Prime Minister of India and UNEP offices in Europe and the US.
Moreover, Jammu city in particular has entered the Traffic Danger Zone (article on my blog) and more and more vehicles are pouring in every day. Better roads with trees on the sides and inbetween on the divider must be constructed and schools and other educational institutions must be roped and more and more awareness must be created.
With concerns rising over the environmental degradation in the state due to existing and upcoming development projects, the state has formulated draft of State Action Plan on Climate change (SAPCC), the first of its kind in Jammu Kashmir. Its really shameful that such basic Action plans and guidelines are not in place till now and where ever they are, its only on paper and nothing is implemented.
Action Plan covers the following -
1. The complex nature of climate change impact in 3 diverse regions of the state - Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh
2. The necessity for strengthening institutional and financial (the most fishy part) capacity to adapt to climate change.
3. The need to develop area and region specific climate strategies and actions.
4. The need for research to understand the likely impact of climate change in the state.
Experts say that the Himalayan region is a source of many rivers flowing perennially round the year. Keeping in view destruction of forests and air pollution, 2% increase in the temperature by 2050 will result in 35% of glaciers disappears, which could pose a problem for the state.
Jammu & Kashmir Government has always blamed insurgency/ militancy for everything and its no surprise that they blame it for the destruction of forest wealth. Thus they are a party in looting the forest wealth along with the poachers and are now drafting this action plan to make more money like they have been doing till now with impunity in the last two decades.
They will obviously be trying to make a big money in US $ by roping in international organizations like United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in the name of environment. Government of India and International Agencies must keep an eye on the proper utilization of funds because if they can swallow a Complete International Cricket Stadium (I have written separate article on my blog) and existing Forest Wealth, doing away with whats just on paper is very easy.
Rather than wasting billions of rupees, if they could implement the forest laws honestly and stop illegal deforestation, things will be much better. Apart from that, Government owned (Forest Department) Plant Nurseries can afford to give saplings for Re.1- Rs.5 each. If Govt of India or J&K State Govt gives 1 plant every month free of cost to each government employee, including Armed Forces & Police and asks them to plant them or get them planted in the surrounding hills or parks, the much needed Green Cover will be replenished within 1 year.
We have been organizing World Environment Day every year in our school from past 3 years and take out an awareness rally and distribute around 500 plants free of cost to students and to passers by during the rally. We had posted the photos of the same with above mentioned suggestions to Prime Minister of India and UNEP offices in Europe and the US.
Moreover, Jammu city in particular has entered the Traffic Danger Zone (article on my blog) and more and more vehicles are pouring in every day. Better roads with trees on the sides and inbetween on the divider must be constructed and schools and other educational institutions must be roped and more and more awareness must be created.
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