Ecological well-being of Jammu & Kashmir stands at a critical juncture

Blessed with snow-capped mountains, magnificent peaks, rich forests, picturesque alpine meadows and serene lakes and streams, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is also an ecologically sensitive region.

The region, which is an “eco-fragile zone”, is confronted with environmental challenges due to global warming, unplanned urbanisation, deforestation and encroachment of water bodies, according to J&K Environmental Policy, 2018.

Haphazard development has been wreaking havoc on this fragile ecosystem over the last few years and the infrastructure projects in the pipeline are likely to further it.

For instance, 38,000 trees in Jammu’s Raika Forest are to be cut soon to construct the new high court building. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud laid the foundation stone for the new High Court building on June 28, 2023.

Also read: Encroachment pushes Himalayan brown bears into Kashmir’s villages

With the construction work set to begin soon for the new high court building, climate activists have intensified their agitation to oppose the project. The Raika Forest, often referred to as the ‘Lungs of Jammu,’ plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change, and providing a habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna, including endangered species.

The proposed felling of around 38,000 trees will not only lead to soil erosion and increased air pollution but also intensify human-animal conflicts in the area. The displacement of wildlife from Raika will disturb the delicate balance of the ecosystem, affecting the local Gujjar community, whose symbiotic relationship with the forest is critical to their lives and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the two major lakes in the Kashmir Valley — Wular and Dal — are also witnessing the brunt of declining water levels, triggered by unplanned infrastructural projects. NASA released a satellite image of the shrinking Wular Lake on June 23, 2020. They found that between 1980 and 2018, the lake shrunk in area by 25 per cent.

In a 2022 study, researchers in India — using data from the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) LISS-IV instrument — also found Wular Lake’s open water area had shrunk in size by about one-quarter between 2008 and 2019. The smaller Dal Lake has suffered a similar fate in response to land cover change.

Researchers in Srinagar found that land conversion to urban development in the basin had worsened the lake’s water quality and contributed to its reduced size. Both lakes regulate water flowing down from Himalayan glaciers and along the Jhelum river and supply water for drinking and irrigation.

They support local livelihoods and provide habitats for diverse aquatic life. However, alarming reports indicate that the shrinking of these lakes poses risks to the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the sustainability of the region. It also jeopardises the availability of drinking water and irrigation for communities along the Jhelum.

Moreover, earlier in May, the Ministry of Mines said they would begin auctioning lithium reservoirs in December amid growing environmental concerns of the people of Reasi. And the Centre said 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves have been found for the first time in the country in J&K in February. The ministry is planning to auction these lithium blocks later this year.

Also read: Too early to celebrate lithium discovery in Jammu and Kashmir

Lithium, also known as ‘white gold’, is a key component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. There has been a growing interest in mining lithium reserves in the region. While this may bring economic benefits, it raises questions about the environmental impact of mining on fragile ecosystems and local communities.

It has triggered a debate about the environmental fallout of mining in the ecologically sensitive Himalayas. Like mining and exploration of other minerals, lithium mining is also responsible for polluting air, water and soil. Lithium extraction is a water-intensive process that can lead to significant water wastage. According to an estimate, 2.2 million litres of water is needed to extract one tonne of lithium.

Second, lithium is extracted from hard rocks and underground brine reservoirs. As lithium extraction can result in Joshimath-like incidents in Reasi district, the agencies involved in mining should not ignore the environmental aspect. 

The human resettlement and rehabilitation in the Reasi district is highly sensitive as the majority of the people in Reasi live below the poverty line and there is a good population of pastoralists who earn their livelihood by rearing livestock in the meadows and pastures. The human resettlement and rehabilitation of local communities affected by mining activities should be a priority, ensuring their livelihoods are safeguarded.

The ecological well-being of J&K stands at a critical juncture. The impending deforestation, the shrinking of the lakes and the potential lithium mining pose significant environmental challenges.

These issues have different causes and effects that demand immediate attention and responsible action. Balancing development and conservation is essential. The region’s sustainable growth and the preservation of its unique natural heritage for future generations need to be ensured.

It is imperative for the authorities, environmentalists and local communities to come together and formulate a comprehensive approach that not only addresses economic interests but also prioritises the protection of the delicate ecosystems and the livelihoods of the people who call this beautiful region their home.

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth

The writer is a student of Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Media, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Jammu

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