SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said it is operationalising a revised State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), proposing 58 mitigation strategies and 98 adaptation actions across priority sectors, in response to concerns over the Union Territory’s vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events.
The disclosure came in response to a cut motion moved by CPI(M) MLA MY Tarigami, who sought a reduction of Rs 100 in Demand No. 21 to initiate a discussion on the need for a comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. Tarigami cited the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and its exposure to cloudbursts, landslides and floods as reasons for urgent policy intervention.
In its reply, the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment said the revised climate action plan is at an advanced draft stage and is based on detailed sector-wise and district-level climate vulnerability assessments. The government said the plan is designed to enable science-based and location-specific interventions aimed at strengthening resilience and reducing environmental risks.
The government said mitigation measures already undertaken include afforestation and soil and water conservation works covering 6,500 hectares of ecologically fragile catchment areas since 2021 to reduce slope failures and surface runoff.
It also highlighted watershed management and spring rejuvenation works under the Mega Rejuvenation and Vitality Enhancement (MRAVE) programme, which have been implemented in 48 rural panchayats to improve water security.
According to the government, mitigation strategies under the revised SAPCC include promotion of rooftop solar installations on government and institutional buildings, expansion of renewable energy adoption, improvement in energy efficiency and transition towards electric mobility. This includes the induction of electric buses and strengthening infrastructure to reduce transport-related emissions.
On adaptation and resilience, the government said the plan prioritises slope stabilisation, watershed management, forest landscape restoration and ecosystem-based adaptation. It also focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure and sector-specific interventions in agriculture, water resources, forests, health and disaster risk reduction.
