Natural disasters highlight conflict between progress, environment

THE recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua, which claimed multiple lives, have once again raised questions about the increasing frequency and severity of natural calamities in the Jammu region. From landslides and land subsidence in remote areas to cloudbursts triggering flash floods and fatalities, many of these disasters are directly or indirectly linked to the extensive developmental activities underway in the region.

Jammu has witnessed massive infrastructural growth, including road construction and hydro-power projects in its mountainous terrain. The recent cloudbursts in ecologically sensitive zones of Kishtwar and Kathua serve as a stark warning, especially for those who build homes near water channels or in disaster-prone areas.

On August 14, over 60 people died in Kishtwar when a cloudburst caused flash flooding of a seasonal nullah, near which many pilgrims had gathered at a community kitchen. Similarly, a cloudburst in Kathua district swept away homes in forest areas, killing seven people on Sunday.

During his visit to Kishtwar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the rising frequency of natural calamities in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He emphasised the need for expert consultations to mitigate these risks.

Other areas in Jammu division, including Doda and Ramban, are also witnessing increasing incidents of land subsidence. Many residents have been relocated due to the instability, often linked to nearby road or hydro-electric project construction sites.

Glacial lake outbursts represent a new threat emerging across J&K. Earlier this year, a specialised expedition team conducted comprehensive studies of three critical glacial lakes in Kishtwar — Mundiksar Lake, Hangu Lake, and an unnamed lake — formed due to accelerated glacier melting linked to global warming.

However, it is essential to recognise that Jammu’s remote areas have struggled for decades with poor road connectivity, inadequate healthcare and limited economic opportunities. For residents, development is not a luxury but a necessity, as infrastructural projects promise employment and improved living standards. Denying development risks further isolating these communities.

At the same time, the fragile Himalayan ecology is under significant stress from climate change. Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have been reported even in areas once known for their pleasant summers.

MY Tarigami, Chairman of the Committee on Environment in the J&K Assembly, recently called for a mass movement to combat deforestation, regulate unsustainable construction, and protect fragile ecosystems from corporate exploitation. “Various departments and agencies of the government, including activists working on environment protection and NGOs, must co-ordinate their efforts to ensure the decisive say in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies” he said.

The ongoing debate is not about halting development in fragile regions but about redefining its approach. What is urgently needed is a sustainable development model focusing on regulated construction, scientific road alignment and controlled deforestation.