Srinagar, Feb 24 (JKNS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday mounted a scathing attack on the Omar Abdullah-led government over what it termed as “complete inaction” on environmental protection, with party spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia alleging that Kashmir is warming at an alarming pace.
Addressing a press conference along with J&K BJP spokespersons Altaf Thakur and Manzoor Bhat, Jasrotia as pwr news agency JKNS claimed that Kashmir’s temperature is witnessing a rise of nearly 2.5 degrees above normal significantly higher than the global warming rate of around 1.5 degrees placing the Valley in a “danger zone”.
“At a time when we need massive greenery and forest protection, the Chief Minister talks about artificial snow and artificial cooling. These are cosmetic measures and potentially dangerous for sports lovers and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” Jasrotia said.
He alleged that during the past one and a half years, the Omar government has failed to safeguard the region’s green cover. “Trees are being cut in the name of development, but there is no serious effort to restore what is being lost. We are gradually losing our natural cooling shield,” he added.
Jasrotia accused the government of lacking a clear climate action strategy and prioritising “public relations exercises over environmental protection.”
He said unregulated urban expansion, road widening projects and shrinking orchards were contributing to ecological imbalance.
Targeting the administration politically, he remarked, “Instead of taking decisive steps to protect Kashmir’s forests and wetlands, the government appears content enjoying the hot seat.”
The BJP leader also claimed that between 2019- 2023, forest cover in the region for the first time saw a bit of improvement not only this the list glory of 4-chinar was restored by forest department in this period and later was given back to gardener & parks department. Dr jasrotia said that after that under the present govt of NC things have gone back now deforestation, wetland degradation and unchecked construction has increased once again & this could worsen heatwaves, reduce snowfall and impact tourism and horticulture.
Altaf Thakur said environmental degradation was already affecting livelihoods. “Irregular snowfall and rising temperatures are hurting apple growers and the tourism sector. The government has failed to present a transparent climate policy or concrete urban planning framework,” he said.
Manzoor Bhat added that rapid urbanisation in Srinagar and other towns without ecological safeguards was intensifying the urban heat effect. He stressed the need for scientific planning and strict monitoring of tree felling.
Calling for mass public participation, Jasrotia proposed a symbolic plantation campaign. “On Eid, every child should receive a Chinar sapling as Eidee and plant it. This will send a powerful message about preserving our heritage and securing our future,” he said.
The BJP leaders demanded a time-bound afforestation programme, strict audit of development projects involving tree cutting and revival of wetlands and traditional water bodies, warning that failure to act could push Kashmir toward irreversible environmental damage. (JKNS)
