J&K’s shrinking land: High time for sustainable urbanization

29 September 2024

Follow Ziraat Times on Whatsapp - Join Now

The rapid urbanization of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu, has become a growing concern. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, during a recent meeting with the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), highlighted the immense pressure that unplanned urban growth is placing on the already limited land resources in J&K. With the population in urban areas of J&K surging, the demand for housing has been skyrocketing, leading to haphazard construction and the shrinking of valuable land, especially in land-deficit Kashmir region. This presents a significant threat to the ecological balance and the overall livability of the region.

As cities expand, agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands are being swallowed by concrete jungles, causing irreversible damage to the environment and biodiversity across J&K, especially in eco sensitive zones of Kashmir and parts of Jammu region. If urgent measures are not taken to conserve land and promote sustainable urbanization, J&K could face dire consequences, including food shortages, increased pollution, and loss of natural habitats.

For centuries, Kashmir was known for its sprawling landscapes and verdant meadows, is now grappling with the challenge of unregulated construction. The Chief Secretary’s concerns over this issue are well-founded. The unplanned and hasty development of housing colonies, often without adherence to urban planning norms, has led to shrinking open spaces, loss of agricultural land, and increased stress on infrastructure. This disorganized growth not only disrupts the aesthetics of this place, but also compromises the quality of life for its residents.

The rapid influx of people migrating to cities for better education and employment opportunities is putting further pressure on the land. The demand for housing is growing, making it imperative to provide affordable and well-planned housing solutions. However, meeting this demand without proper urban planning will only exacerbate the problem.

To address the shrinking land crisis in Kashmir, several strategic measures need to be implemented to ensure that development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation and future sustainability. The first and foremost step is to develop a comprehensive and sustainable urbanization plan. This involves strict adherence to building bye-laws, zoning regulations, and proper land-use planning. The government must create a balance between expanding cities and conserving open spaces, agricultural lands, and green areas. Urban expansion should be carefully managed to avoid encroachment on ecologically sensitive areas. Are the existing Master Plans of Srinagar and Jammu really being adhered to?

Chief Secretary Dulloo has emphasized the need for affordable housing. The H&UDD should focus on constructing housing units that are not only affordable but also sustainable. This can be achieved by promoting flatted accommodations and earth quake resistant high-rise buildings, which can house more people while using less land. Moreover, these projects should incorporate eco-friendly technologies, such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and efficient waste management systems, to reduce the environmental footprint. In the past there have been counter arguments that being an earthquake prone Zone V, Kashmir is not fit for high rise buildings. However, today’s available technologies make earthquake resistant buildings very much possible.

The development of housing units and infrastructure should involve collaborations between the government and the private sector. By pooling the expertise and resources of private developers, J&K government can ensure faster and more efficient execution of housing projects. However, strict monitoring and regulation are essential to ensure that private developers adhere to environmental and building norms, especially earthquake resistance.

A long-term solution to the issue of urbanization is to strengthen J&K’s rural areas and make them economically viable. This can reduce the pressure on cities by creating employment opportunities in rural regions. The promotion of rural industries, tourism, and sustainable agriculture can prevent excessive migration to urban centers and preserve the land in both urban and rural areas.

J&K’s urban areas, especially capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu need green infrastructure practices that focus on the conservation of natural resources. This includes the development of green belts, parks, and public spaces that can mitigate the effects of urban sprawl. Green infrastructure could not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of these cities but also improves air quality, reduces the urban heat island effect, and supports biodiversity.

It is high time J&K government, civil society, and private developers must work together to ensure that urbanization in Kashmir is sustainable, organized, and inclusive.