Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday issued a strong warning over the rapid degradation of water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that unchecked urbanisation, mounting land pressures, and climate change had together triggered an alarming ecological decline.
His remarks come in the backdrop of a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which has revealed that 315 water bodies and lakes have disappeared, while another 205 shrunk significantly in J&K, figures that underline the scale of environmental stress facing the region.
Responding to the report, CM Omar said the crisis was neither new nor surprising, asserting that people across J&K were already witnessing these changes in their daily lives.
“I am amazed that this subject has become a topic of discussion because CAG has talked about it. We see it. We are living this. Whether it is our water bodies in and around Srinagar, or our water bodies in rural areas, either those water bodies have ceased to exist or they have shrunk. They have shrunk because of urbanisation. They have shrunk because of pressures on the land. They have also shrunk because of climate change. So while some of these things are within our control, some of these things are a fallout of a wider problem,” he said.
The CM emphasised that while factors like global climate change might be beyond immediate local control, a significant portion of the damage was directly linked to human activity, including unplanned urban expansion, encroachments, and changing land-use patterns.
Stressing the urgency of corrective measures, he called for a shift in both governance approach and public behaviour, making it clear that environmental protection cannot be left to the government alone.
“But yes, I think we need to be more conscious of the environmental damage that we are doing. And this is not just the responsibility of the government. I think it will take a collective responsibility of all of us who live in Jammu and Kashmir. Is this the sort of Jammu and Kashmir that we want to hand over to our children and grandchildren? And if it isn’t, then what can we do to be more conscious of how we protect the environment?” CM Omar said.
In a pointed remark on lifestyle choices contributing to environmental stress, he flagged the widespread use of plastic bags, questioning the lack of individual responsibility.
“Why don’t we use less plastic bags? I mean, is it going to take a government order banning the use of plastic bags completely for us to wake up to this problem? As a concerned citizen, what stops me from carrying a bag from my house to bring my shopping home in? Why do I have to take a plastic bag from the shops? But if what it takes is the government to be more heavy-handed, then unfortunately, that is the direction in which we are heading. But I hope before that, as a society, we can do collectively something to address this problem,” the CM said.
His remarks assume significance amid growing concerns among environmentalists over the degradation of key wetlands and water bodies in Kashmir, many of which are facing encroachment, pollution, and shrinking catchment areas due to rapid urbanisation.
On the legislative front, CM Omar also raised questions regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, asking the Centre to clarify why a new bill was introduced when a similar legislation had already been passed earlier by Parliament.
“First and foremost, it needs to be explained why a new bill is needed for a bill that had already been passed. Nobody is answering that question. We are all for women’s reservation. But, if I understand correctly, we had been told that women’s reservation would follow the Census and the delimitation. What has changed?” he said.
The CM pointed out that the earlier bill was introduced by the same government, suggesting that there should be transparency regarding the shift in approach and the reasons behind revisiting the legislation.
Touching upon local governance, he said that elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jammu and Kashmir would be held at an “appropriate” time, without committing to a specific schedule.
In his remarks on international developments, CM Omar spoke about the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging Washington to play a more responsible role in ensuring that the truce holds.
“The US should exert some control over Israel. The way they are conducting indiscriminate bombing campaigns in Lebanon and the manner in which innocent lives are being taken there, how can a ceasefire possibly hold?” he said.
The CM cautioned that any breakdown of the ceasefire would be attributable to Israel’s actions, rather than Iran or other stakeholders.
“The ceasefire is a welcome initiative, but if it fails, the blame will be solely on Israel. It will not be the fault of Iran or anyone else. So, the US should exert some restraint over Israel,” he said.
Referring to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, CM Omar criticised the inconsistency and tone of his remarks.
“He (Trump) says one thing in the morning, another thing in the afternoon and the third one in the evening. The language that he uses is unbecoming of anyone, let alone the US president. He ought to remind himself that he holds the office of the US president,” he said.
The CM also remarked on the broader strategic narrative emerging after the ceasefire, questioning claims of success and asking what tangible outcomes had been achieved.
“It was not Iran that initiated this war. The war was thrust upon Iran. First, tell us what was the actual objective of this war? After the ceasefire, the US has claimed a monumental victory, citing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But, the Strait was already open prior to the war and it was accessible to everyone, free of charge,” he said.
CM Omar said that Iran, in the aftermath of the conflict, had imposed a toll on passage through the Strait, raising questions about the real gains of the war.
He said after the war, Iran seized the opportunity to impose a toll tax for passing through the Strait. So, what exactly has been achieved?
On the diplomatic front, the CM acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating the ceasefire, stating that it had succeeded where others had not, while also reflecting on India’s position.
“I won’t go into whether it was a failure or a success, but we have to accept that Pakistan did what others couldn’t. I personally believe that our relations with Israel have become a bit of a weakness. Because, as I said, only Israel wants this war,” he said.
CM Omar said that India’s close ties with Israel may have constrained its ability to play a mediatory role in the conflict.
“I think, and this is my personal opinion, that we couldn’t play this role because our relations with Israel are too close. Now, the ceasefire that happened was good; if Pakistan played a role in it, then so be it,” he said.
