Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday voiced serious concern over the rising frequency of extreme weather events in Jammu and Kashmir and across the Himalayan region, warning of their devastating impact on lives and property.
In a statement, Abdullah urged urgent and proactive measures to address growing climate unpredictability, emphasizing the need for sustainable development strategies that safeguard both livelihoods and the environment.
“The surge in weather vagaries—from flash floods and landslides to prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall—has emerged as a grave concern for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Abdullah stressed that these changes threaten not only the ecological balance but also agriculture, infrastructure, and human lives. Highlighting the vulnerability of the Himalayan belt to climate change, the former chief minister said development must prioritize environmental protection and social equity alongside economic growth.
“True development goes beyond economic expansion. It must include ecological conservation and harmony with nature,” he noted, calling for cooperation among government, civil society, and experts to build a climate-resilient future for the region.
