Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for the creation of a practical and balanced roadmap for sustainable mountain development, emphasizing the critical need for environmental protection, economic growth, and the well-being of local populations to advance in tandem. This directive was issued during his address at the inauguration of the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit.
The summit, a collaborative effort between SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, with the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), was held under the umbrella of the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026. A central focus of the deliberations was the formulation of a dedicated Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to foster inclusive development across the Himalayan region towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah highlighted the escalating impact of climate change on the region, citing increasingly erratic snowfall patterns, water scarcity, extreme rainfall events, and landslides as significant challenges that are profoundly affecting Jammu and Kashmir. These environmental shifts, he asserted, render sustainable development not merely an option but an imperative.
“We do not take care of our mountains and environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world has to work together to address this challenge, but we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” the Chief Minister stated, underscoring the local responsibility in mitigating environmental damage despite the global nature of climate change.
Abdullah further elaborated on the changing weather dynamics, noting that the unpredictability of snowfall directly contributes to water shortages during the crucial spring months. He observed a concerning trend where prolonged dry spells are frequently interrupted by intense rainfall, leading to cloudbursts and subsequent flooding, which in turn create new and complex challenges for local communities and vital infrastructure. These developments, he described, represent a new reality that necessitates a strategic approach to development.
The primary challenge, as identified by the Chief Minister, lies in pursuing economic development while simultaneously adapting to and managing the escalating environmental risks. “We have to ask ourselves how we sustain livelihoods and continue to develop. Development is essential, but it must be sustainable,” he remarked, stressing the dual imperative of progress and ecological preservation.
While acknowledging the pressure exerted by increasing tourist numbers on popular destinations, Abdullah cautioned against attributing all environmental degradation solely to tourism. He stated, “Tourism does put pressure on our environment, but it would be incorrect to attribute all environmental challenges solely to tourism. We all have a responsibility.” He urged the public to adopt responsible practices, including avoiding littering, minimizing the use of single-use plastics, and conserving water and energy resources. This call for collective action highlights the belief that environmental protection requires a concerted effort involving both governmental initiatives and individual behavioral changes.
Regarding the future of tourism development, Abdullah advocated for the expansion of tourism infrastructure to new, less-explored destinations rather than concentrating visitor influx on established hotspots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. He proposed that any new tourist destinations should be developed with meticulous planning and a strong emphasis on sustainability from the outset. This includes ensuring adequate provisions for sewage treatment, comprehensive wastewater management, and efficient solid waste disposal systems are integrated into the planning phase.
“Some destinations are nearing their carrying capacity. The answer is not to stop people from visiting Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, but to develop new destinations where proper waste management and sewage disposal systems are already in place,” Abdullah explained, offering a proactive solution to manage tourism growth without compromising environmental integrity. This approach aims to distribute the tourism burden more evenly and ensure that new areas are developed with robust environmental safeguards.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.