Environmental degradation is a serious issue that affects the entire world. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. According to reports, environmental degradation in Jammu and Kashmir is mostly a result of human activities such as deforestation, vehicular pollution, and industrialization, which has led to environmental pollution and loss of biodiversity. Educating the masses about the importance of protecting the environment is an effective way to restore the ecological balance.
Deforestation and land degradation
Deforestation is one of the major environmental problems in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 14,000 hectares of forest area have been encroached upon, and as per a 2017 report published by the Forest Survey of India, the forested area in J&K is just 10.46% 1. Increasing requirements for housing and infrastructure and the rise in industrial development have led to the felling of trees. Deforestation has caused soil erosion and floods, further damaging forest resources.
Water pollution and scarcity
Water pollution is another major environmental issue in Jammu and Kashmir. The disposal of human and animal waste in water bodies has obstructed their flow and degraded water quality. Shrinking of water bodies is also a concern. In a study by Srinagar’s Directorate of Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing, Dal Lake is estimated to have shrunk from 2,547 hectares in 1971 to 1,620 hectares in 2008. According to a report by Wetland International South Asia (WISA), Wular Lake has shrunk by 45%. The water-holding capacity of the lakes in Kashmir is reducing. Depleting water sources will lead to water shortage and also affect the generation of hydroelectricity.
Air pollution and climate change
Air pollution is another environmental problem that has been on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir. Burning of stubble in the harvesting season degrades air quality and throwing of wastes in open spaces further pollutes the air. Brick kilns in many districts of J&K are adding to air pollution.
Melting of Glaciers
The melting of glaciers is another major concern for environmentalists in Jammu and Kashmir. Satellite data found that more than 1200 glaciers in the Himalayan region were melting at the rate of 35 cm in thickness each year from 2000 to 2012. Glacial melting is affecting the food, water, and energy sectors in the region. The emission of greenhouse gases and the use of fossil fuels have led to increasing temperatures and reduced snow precipitation, resulting in the melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Loss of biodiversity
Loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction and animal poaching is also a major concern for environmentalists in Jammu and Kashmir. Cutting of trees and depletion of forest cover is threatening the existence of some plant species.
Solution
To address these issues, it’s important to take action at both individual and governmental levels. Educating people about environmental conservation can go a long way towards restoring ecological balance. The government should take steps to reduce deforestation by promoting afforestation programs, regulating industrial activities, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, etc. It should also take measures to reduce air pollution by promoting cleaner fuels, regulating brick kilns, etc.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Sabahat Ayoub