Experts urge immediate climate action in J&K at EPG’s Srinagar workshop

Srinagar: Prominent environmentalists, policymakers, and academics convened at Hotel Shahenshah in Srinagar today for a critical workshop titled “Water, Weather, and Well-Being: Climate Change in the Kashmir Valley.” Organized by prominent environmental advocacy  Environmental Policy Group (EPG) and the Institution of Engineers India J&K State Centre (IEIJKSC), the event highlighted the escalating climate crisis and its cascading impacts on water resources, agriculture, public health, and livelihoods in the region.

The workshop, chaired by Prof. Dr. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), featured technical presentations by seven experts, a panel discussion, and a Q&A session. Faiz Bakshi, convenor  of the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), at the outset, explained the purpose of the workshop and hhighlighted the need for knowledge-driven and collective advocacy efforts for the conservation and protection of Kashmir’s environment. Notable participants included journalists, civil society leaders, and students, including prominent adventure tourism leader Rauf Tramboo, Farooq Gilani (former CCF, Kashmir), Zahoor Ahmed Qari (businessman), Ashiq Peerzada (Bureau Chief, the Hindu), M M Shuja (editor and trustee EPG), Er Firdous Bhat (former IEI President), Saqib Qadri, environmentalist.

Arjimand Hussain, well-known author, international development specialist and founder of Ziraat Times, while speaking on the occasion, said a time has come when policy makers must look at the fessibility of introducing an “environmental cess” in J&K to create a corpus fund dedicated to climate change mitigation and apaptation. He also enphasised on creation of a dedicated climate change adaptation and mitigation  agency in J&K, with strong enforcement powers, and strengthening environmental and social inpact assessment regime here.

Dr. G.N. Qasba (Former SMC Commissioner) proposed urban rainwater harvesting systems and flood-resilient infrastructure to combat Srinagar’s waterlogging crises.

Dr Jasia Bashir, Assistant Professor at the Islamic University of Science and Technology, shared critical insights on climate-related impacts and adaptation strategies. She stressed, “Climate change is a global phenomenon, and the Kashmir Valley is already witnessing its dire consequences. The alarming rate at which our glaciers are melting is a clear warning signal. As water sources diminish and weather patterns shift unpredictably, we must prioritize scientific research and data-driven policymaking. Understanding these changes helps us adapt our agricultural practices and water management strategies to safeguard our environment and communities.”

The panel discussions, coordinated by Er. Ajaz Rasool (EPG) and Er. Iftikhar Hakim (IEIJKSC), underscored the urgent need for inter-departmental collaboration to address water scarcity and food insecurity. Community-led initiatives, such as reviving traditional water systems (kuhls) and promoting agroforestry were also proposed as a way forward in addressing the water crisis in Kashmir. The panelists recommended policy changes  including carbon taxation, stricter emission controls, and eco-tourism promotion.

“Climate change is not a distant threat—it is eroding our glaciers, farms, and health today. Collective action is our only hope,” asserted Prof. Romshoo in his keynote address.

Altaf Ahmad Andrabi (Former   Director of Agriculture Department Kashmir) warned of declining apple yields and soil degradation, recommending climate-smart farming techniques.

Dr. Jassia Bashir, a faculty member at the IUST, presented geospatial analyses showing alarming glacial retreat and shifts in precipitation patterns, urging improved water governance.

Linking rising temperatures to increased cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, Dr. Khurshid Iqbal (Former Dean, SKIMS, Srinagar, called for climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.

Raja Muzaffar Bhat, environmental activist, critiqued policy gaps in waste management and deforestation, advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws.

Highlighting the various government initiatives, including those of the J&K Climate Action Plan, Dr. Maajid Farooq (Climate Change Center, J&K) stressed the need for localized adaptation measures.

Prominent attendees, including Advocate Nadeem Qadri and Syed Shakeel Qalandar (FCIK), echoed calls for public awareness campaigns and youth involvement in climate advocacy. Students from IUST and local colleges participated actively, reflecting growing grassroots concern.

Dr. Jahangeer Ali (Secretary, IEIJKSC) and Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Bhat steered the proceedings, concluding with a resolution to establish a “Climate Action Task Force” for Jammu and Kashmir.

EPG and IEIJKSC pledged to publish a policy brief based on workshop insights.