JKCSF raises alarm over water diversion, environmental degradation in Tangmarg, Gulmarg
Tangmarg, June 18: Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the “loot” of water from the Ferozpora Nalla and the ongoing environmental degradation in Tangmarg and Gulmarg. Wani called for immediate intervention, terming the diversion of water as “theft, not policy” and “injustice, not governance.”
Speaking on behalf of the people of Tangmarg, Magam, Pattan, and surrounding areas, Wani said the Ferozpora Nalla—a vital water source for drinking, agriculture, and horticulture—is being diverted to other districts through large underground pipelines. “This sacred and life-sustaining stream has nourished the region for generations. Yet today, people living along its banks are left to suffer,” he said.
In a statement issued to *Greater Kashmir*, the JKCSF Chairman said, “This water is not ordinary—it is the lifeline of our region. It is the source of drinking water for lakhs of people, the backbone of our agriculture, and the sustainer of our horticulture, on which thousands of families depend for survival. From paddy fields to apple orchards, from domestic use to livestock, Ferozpora Nalla supports every form of life in Tangmarg and its adjoining belts. Yet today, the people of Tangmarg, Magam, Pattan, and nearby villages are watching helplessly as their rightful share is siphoned away, leaving their taps dry, their fields barren, and their orchards dying. This is not just mismanagement—it is an open betrayal of the people who have protected and relied on this stream for centuries. The water of Ferozpora belongs to us, and we will not allow it to be stolen any longer.”
“The unauthorized and unjust diversion of water to other districts, done without any public consent or consultation, is deeply discriminatory. Such a major decision, taken without transparency, environmental clearance, or a fair water-sharing policy, amounts to nothing less than institutional betrayal. It is both legally questionable and morally indefensible,” he added.
“Adding to the crisis is the reckless use of heavy machinery, including JCBs, in the stream to alter its natural flow. This practice, despite being prohibited by the Supreme Court, continues unabated. The result is the destruction of the stream’s ecological balance, erosion of its bed, lowering of water levels, and damage to aquatic life. These irresponsible actions must be stopped immediately to preserve what remains of this vital natural resource,” he said.
He said Ferozpora Nalla is not just a water source—it is central to the identity, ecology, and economy of Tangmarg. Tangmarg and its adjoining areas are among the most visited tourist zones in Jammu & Kashmir, and any damage to its water bodies directly affects tourism. But sadly, the region continues to suffer from widespread environmental degradation. Unregulated tree-cutting, unauthorized construction, lack of scientific waste disposal by hotels in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, and the hazardous use of chemicals for snow melting have collectively poisoned our soil and water. These chemicals seep into the environment after snowmelt, affecting forests, harming public health, and endangering biodiversity.
He said that the ongoing violation of the official construction ban in Gulmarg worsens the situation. Concrete structures continue to rise unchecked, threatening the ecological balance and natural charm of this world-famous tourist spot. The government must intervene urgently to halt such unregulated development. Instead of allowing rampant construction in ecologically fragile Gulmarg, the administration should promote tourism infrastructure from Narbal to Tangmarg, enabling people from surrounding villages to benefit from tourism and hospitality opportunities. This inclusive model would decentralize tourism and promote economic equity.
Furthermore, the establishment of high-tech sewage treatment plants in Gulmarg, Tangmarg, and Baba Reshi has become indispensable. These facilities will help manage the increasing waste generated by tourists and local populations alike and are essential to protecting the fragile ecology of these areas.
At the same time, the long-pending alternate road project to Gulmarg, starting from Bedran village of Magam Budgam, which passes through Pinjoora, Goigam, Wussan, Bungam, and finally reaches Drung, must be expedited. This route holds the potential to connect untouched tourist destinations like Chek-Freshte-reshi, Gogaldara, Bederkot, Darakshi, Ringawali, Danwas, and Rangmarg, opening avenues for development and livelihood in the overlooked parts of our region, he added.
Expressing shock, Wani said that despite being a key destination, Tangmarg continues to be neglected in terms of basic public infrastructure, particularly healthcare. The Chest Disease Hospital in Tangmarg, established in 1931, remains functionally outdated. The hospital lacks essential equipment such as a central heating system, CT scan, MRI, portable ultrasound, modern blood bank, and operation theatres. The same is true for hospitals in Kunzer, Magam, and Pattan, where even routine diagnostics are unavailable. Patients—including tourists—are forced to travel to Srinagar or Baramulla for basic treatment, despite the presence of qualified doctors and dedicated paramedical staff. This continued neglect is a denial of the right to health and dignity.
“The long-awaited Mini Secretariat at Tangmarg, the foundation stone of which was laid in 2012, still lies incomplete due to unknown reasons. This delay is unjustifiable. The government must release a white paper on the status of the project and take necessary steps to complete it. Once completed, the Mini Secretariat will bring all key public offices under one roof and will save the people from the hassle of running from one office to another for basic administrative work,” Wani added.
Another serious concern, he said, is the forced inclusion of more than 32 villages under the jurisdiction of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA). This move has created deep distress among the locals, who are not even allowed to construct essential shelters like cow sheds. This restriction on basic rural livelihood activities must end, and these villages should be immediately delinked from the GDA to prevent further exploitation of their rights.
Talking about another issue, he said, “Let me bring to your notice another serious issue concerning the people of Gulmarg/Tangmarg. Since people of Gulmarg/Tangmarg are purely dependent on tourism, which has suffered a setback, the people of the area are economically crushed. But it is unfortunate that the PDD is charging exorbitant rates from its consumers—poor people living in sheds and kothas who deserve welfare measures like concessions in electricity tariff as per AAY and BPL norms—which is sheer injustice. The authorities should conduct a survey and take necessary steps for the benefit of these poor people.”
“All these issues—from water diversion to environmental destruction and healthcare collapse—are deeply interconnected. They reflect a long-standing pattern of administrative apathy, policy failures, and socio-political marginalization. The people of Tangmarg have shown immense patience, but silence can no longer be sustained in the face of such gross injustice.”
Raising the issue of lack of sports infrastructure in the area, Wani said, “Another important issue that needs immediate attention is the condition of sports infrastructure in our region. Playgrounds at Kunzer, Tangmarg, Shrai, and other areas lack basic facilities like proper turf, dressing rooms, fencing, and maintained outfields. While we talk about protecting our youth from drug abuse and social evils, we must also provide them the means to engage positively. Investment in sports infrastructure is essential to motivate youth, help them pursue sports as a career, enable them to compete with athletes from other parts of the country, and keep our youth away from this drug menace.”
He said that despite the valiant efforts of SDPO Tangmarg, SHO Gulmarg, SHO Tangmarg, and SHO Kunzer to curb the drug menace, this social evil is gripping our area at an alarming pace. “I want to assure these dedicated officers that JKCSF will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight against this social evil.”
Further, Wani said, “JKCSF appeals to Hon’ble MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah Sb, Former Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir Sb, Former MLA Mohammad Abbas Wani Sb, PDP Leader Shabir Ahmad Mir Sb, AIP Leader Adil Nazir Sb, socio-political figure Tejinder Singh Ji, socio-political activist Munshi Mukhtar Sb, Bar Association Tangmarg, Traders’ Associations of Tangmarg, Kunzer, Pattan, and Magam, the local Journalists’ Associations, and to all responsible public figures and community leaders, to come together on a common platform, setting aside political, social, or organizational differences for the greater cause of the area, especially Tangmarg and Gulmarg.”
“To facilitate this, JKCSF has decided to organize a seminar in the coming days where all political parties, social and religious organizations, bar associations, trade unions, traders’ associations, pony and guide unions, hoteliers, media personnel, and prominent public figures of the area will be invited. The aim is to draft a Common Minimum Programme to resist the continued loot of our water resources, fight against environmental degradation, and drug abuse,” he added.
As the Chairman of JKCSF, Wani said, “I urge all our district presidents and sub-divisional leaders to stand up in their respective areas—against drug abuse, social evils, rising economic injustice, and environmental issues. JKCSF is ready to act as a bridge between all sections of society committed to peace, justice, and sustainable development.”
He warned, “If these concerns are not addressed immediately, JKCSF will not hold back in launching a peaceful, democratic campaign across the region, taking all the stakeholders on board to safeguard the rights, resources, and dignity of our people. We do not seek confrontation; we seek fairness. We are ready to fight—peacefully, lawfully, and relentlessly—for what is ours. We belong to Tangmarg. We believe in Tangmarg. And if the time comes, we are prepared to bleed for Tangmarg.”
Furthermore, Wani said, “Finally, I, on behalf of JKCSF Tangmarg, want to pay heartfelt tribute to the legendary figures of Tangmarg who, despite different political ideologies, played a significant role in preserving and protecting our environment and local water resources. We salute these stalwarts and feel their absence deeply in these challenging times. It is both our responsibility and obligation to remember and honour their legacy.These legends, namely:”
1. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Munshi
2. Lt. Mohd. Maqbool Mir (Gulla Sb)
3. Lt. Former MLA M. A. Zaildar
4. Lt. Ali Mohd. Sofi (Hari-watnoo)
5. Lt. Ab. Aziz Dar (Qazipora)
6. Lt. Gh. Nabi Wani (Ferozpora)
7. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Beigh (Noon) (Kralweth)
8. Lt. Peerzada Nisar (Duroo)
9. Lt. Ab. Samad Pathwari (Merchipora)
10. Lt. Gh. Mohd. Reshi (Chanpora)
11. Lt. G. M. Bhat (Qazipora)
12. Lt. Ghulam Ahmad Gada (Lalpora)
13. Lt. Gh. Ahmad Lali (Lalpora)
14. Lt. Mohd. Yaseen Shabnum (Ougmuna)
15. Lt. Mohd. Ameen Khuto (Gani Baba)
16. Lt. Sonaullah Wani (Wussan)
17. Lt. Ab. Rasheed Khan (Cheksari)
18. Lt. Gh. Mohd. Mir (Nehalpora)
19. Lt. Ab. Gani Mir (Nehalpora)
20. Lt. Mohd. Subhaan Naik (Chek Ferozpora)
21. Lt. Gh. Mohammad Mir (Aboora)
22. Lt. Abdul Rehman Khan (Heing)
23. Lt. Gh. Mohiuddin Rather (Lalpora)
24. Lt. Abdul Ahad Bhat (Ferozpora)
25. Lt. Habibullah Lone (Drung)
26. Lt. Mohd. Akbar (Aka-Mama) (Chandilora)
27. Lt. Gh. Rasool War (Ogmuna)
28. Lt. Gh. Rasool Yali (Former MLA)
29. Lt. Ab. Rehman Khanday (Hard Bani)
30. Lt. Peerzada Ab. Rasheed Shah (Hard Shoora)
31. Mohd. Siddique Khutoo (Pariswani)
32. Mohd. Abdullah Parray (Bungam)
33. Lt. Gh. Hassan Dar (Kunzer)
34. Lt. Molvi Gulzar Ah. Sofi (Kunzer)
35. Lt. Haji Ab. Rahman Pala (Kulhama)
Have left behind a roadmap of courage and dedication, which we must now uphold and carry forward, he concluded.
