SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG), in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu and Kashmir State Centre (IEIJKSC), has submitted a detailed set of policy recommendations to the Jammu and Kashmir government to address the severe impacts of climate change in the region. This initiative follows a critical workshop titled “Water, Weather, and Well-Being: Climate Change in the Kashmir Valley”, held on March 1, 2025.
The workshop examined the far-reaching consequences of climate change on key sectors such as water resources, agriculture, public health, the economy, and infrastructure development. Experts noted that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing erratic weather patterns, reduced precipitation, and rising temperatures, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. These climatic shifts intensify existing vulnerabilities and introduce new risks to the region’s sustainability.
Following in-depth discussions, a set of expert-backed recommendations was compiled to mitigate these climate challenges. The proposals include sustainable water management practices to counteract declining water levels, groundwater depletion, and pollution from industrial effluents and agricultural runoff. Additionally, the recommendations call for stringent regulations against illegal mining activities that disrupt natural water flows and degrade ecosystems.
Given the agricultural sector’s susceptibility to climate change, experts emphasised the need to develop drought-resistant crop varieties and support crop diversification to ensure food security and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods. Strengthening public health infrastructure to address climate-induced health risks, such as heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases, was also highlighted as a priority.
The tourism industry, a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, has been adversely affected by changing weather patterns, particularly declining snowfall. To mitigate these effects, the recommendations advocate for eco-tourism promotion and economic diversification to reduce reliance on climate-sensitive tourism activities.
Urban planning strategies incorporating climate resilience were another focal point, with calls for flood-resistant construction and sustainable urban water management systems. The experts further proposed the establishment of a dedicated Climate Resilience Task Force to oversee policy implementation, monitor progress, and enforce environmental regulations.
The EPG has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to adopt these recommendations, stressing that their implementation would play a crucial role in securing the region’s environmental resources, strengthening resilience across vulnerable sectors, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
