J&K Assembly Panel Stresses Expert Consultation to Combat Floods, Erosion, and Climate Challenges
SRINAGAR: The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today called for making Environmental Science a mandatory subject in all schools across the region.
During the meeting, the Committee highlighted recent floods, cloudbursts, and flash floods across the Himalayas as a wake-up call, stressing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate their impacts.
The meeting was chaired by Committee Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, with members Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana, Yudhvir Sethi, and Darshan Kumar in attendance. Discussions focused on the recent ecological disruptions in the Himalayan region and strategies to prevent future disasters.
Chairman Tarigami emphasized the importance of consulting environmental experts with extensive experience in the Himalayas to develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting the region from future climatic challenges. He also underscored the need to safeguard J&K’s fragile ecosystem and instructed concerned departments to engage experts in preparing an annual action plan for rural sanitation.
The Committee reviewed ongoing flood-control measures and projects by the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Pollution Control Board, and Environment & Ecology Department. The Chairman directed these departments to submit detailed reports on dredging, desilting, and flood-protection works across rivers and tributaries, and stressed the smooth operation of Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) to ensure safe drinking water for the public.
Additionally, the Committee requested comprehensive updates on mining operations and plantation drives in affected areas. It was decided that awareness campaigns, seminars, and educational programs on environmental protection would be conducted across districts. Members also resolved to carry out spot inspections of key infrastructure sites to strengthen environmental safeguards.
Senior officials from the Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Pollution Control Board, and Department of Environment, Ecology & Remote Sensing briefed the Committee on ongoing projects and preparations aimed at enhancing environmental protection and disaster preparedness.
