Expressing serious concern over the growing menace of plastic pollution in Jammu and Kashmir, the Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday urged the government to take stringent measures to curb the use of plastic, particularly single-use plastic (SUP), across the Union Territory.

The Committee, chaired by CPI-M MLA M Y Tarigami, observed that indiscriminate use of plastic had emerged as a major environmental challenge, adversely affecting public health, polluting water bodies and degrading the ecological balance of the region.

“On behalf of the Committee, I appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to consider issuing an Executive Order for imposing a comprehensive ban on the use of plastic across the Union Territory in the larger interest of environmental protection, public health and sustainable development,” Tarigami stated, while chairing the second meeting of LA panel in assembly secretariat in the summer capital.

The Chairman called upon the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to intensify enforcement measures and ensure strict implementation of laws aimed at eliminating the use of single-use plastics, especially in and around tourist destinations, religious shrines and environmentally sensitive areas.

J&K LA panel on Environment also took serious note of the ongoing indefinite strike by sanitation workers engaged by various Urban Local Bodies as CLs (Casual/Contractual Labourers) and DRWs (Daily Rated Workers), who are protesting and seeking regularisation.

Describing sanitation workers as an indispensable component of urban civic services, the Committee directed the Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), to initiate immediate dialogue with the agitating workers and make earnest efforts to resolve the impasse by examining their demands sympathetically.

During deliberations, the Committee members unanimously stressed the need for coordinated action by the Pollution Control Committee, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to make Jammu and Kashmir plastic-free.

The members further urged government departments and public institutions to discourage the use of plastic in official meetings, offices and public functions.

The panel had sought a comprehensive report on the environmental and ecological impact of the Achan landfill site in Srinagar and Bhagwati Nagar dumping site in Jammu, including the status of legacy waste remediation, scientific waste processing, compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives and progress achieved under the proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Project at Achan.

It had also directed the concerned departments to furnish details regarding the impact of waste management activities on Anchar lake, surrounding habitations and ecosystems, besides measures taken to prevent leachate generation, groundwater contamination, air pollution and public health hazards.

The Chairman directed the Assembly Secretariat to ensure that observations contained in CAG Report No 6 of 2025 on Solid Waste Management in Urban Local Bodies (Paras 3.1.1 to 3.1.11) are placed before the Committee during its next meeting.

The panel also discussed pollution concerns relating to the river Tawi, Surinsar lake and Mansar lake and sought detailed information from the concerned departments. It directed officers to undertake on-the-spot inspections and submit reports on measures required for conservation and restoration of these water bodies.

The panel reviewed the status of drains and nullahs discharging sewage and wastewater into the River Tawi, the extent of pollution caused thereby, progress in interception and treatment projects, implementation of sewerage infrastructure and measures being undertaken to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.

It further sought details from the Jammu Municipal Corporation regarding initiatives taken for restoration, rejuvenation and conservation of ponds, lakes and other water bodies within municipal limits, including efforts to revive encroached and degraded water bodies and restore their ecological, cultural and community significance.

Several members raised issues of environmental concern in their respective constituencies during the meeting. After detailed discussions, the Chairman issued necessary directions to the officers present and asked them to take immediate remedial measures and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) at the next meeting of the Committee.

Panel member MLA Devyani Rana, during the deliberations, expressed serious concern over the impact of sewage leakages on groundwater quality and sought a comprehensive assessment of the issue across urban areas.

Devyani also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the ecologically important Mansar and Surinsar lakes in Jammu and stressed the need for immediate conservation and restoration measures to protect the twin heritage water bodies.

She further sought details regarding the garbage collection, segregation and scientific disposal mechanisms being adopted by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), including the status of waste processing facilities and dumping sites.

Devyani emphasised that improper waste disposal posed a significant threat to public health and the environment and called for strengthening solid waste management systems in Jammu city.

The panel took note of the concerns and stressed the importance of sustainable waste management practices, protection of water resources and prevention of groundwater contamination.

Another committee member MLA Baldev Raj Sharma requested the committee to undertake a comprehensive visit to Katra and Vaishnodevi shrine to ensure effective sewage system and waste treatment all along the shrine route to safeguard ecology of the area.

The meeting was also attended by other members of the Committee viz., Prof Gharu Ram, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Salman Sagar, Javaid Riyaz (Bedar) and Rameshwar Singh.

The members actively participated in the deliberations and raised various issues relating to environmental protection, plastic pollution, solid waste management, conservation of water bodies and public health concerns in their respective constituencies.

Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Chairman JKPCC, Commissioners of SMC and JMC, Director Urban Local Bodies, Secretary, JKLA and other senior officers of J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat were present in the meeting.

Chairman of the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO), Manzoor Wangnoo,  called on  Khurshid Ahmad Shah (JKAS), the newly appointed Vice Chairman of the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA), and held a detailed discussion on the restoration and rejuvenation of the historic Gilsar–Khushalsar lakes.

During the meeting, Wangnoo congratulated Shah on assuming the important responsibility and expressed hope that under his leadership, conservation efforts for Kashmir’s urban water bodies would receive renewed momentum.

He also presented a set of short-term and long-term recommendations aimed at accelerating restoration measures, improving water quality, restoring navigation routes, strengthening ecological sustainability, and ensuring scientific conservation of the twin lakes.

Wangnoo emphasised that Gilsar and Khushalsar are vital environmental assets and play a crucial role in the overall health of Kashmir’s aquatic ecosystem. He stressed the need for timely, sustained, and result-oriented interventions to safeguard these water bodies for future generations.

Expressing optimism about the future of the lakes, Wangnoo wished Khurshid Ahmad Shah and his team every success in their mission and hoped that collaborative efforts between the administration, technical agencies, and civil society would help achieve the long-term conservation goals of Gilsar–Khushalsar.

Srinagar, Jun 18: In a significant achievement for Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), a doctoral scholar from the Faculty of Fisheries has secured an international research grant of US$6,500 from the United States-based Wild Animal Initiative for a study on the critically endangered Kashmir Loach.

Misba Rehman, a PhD scholar in the Division of Fisheries Resource Management, has received the grant for the project titled “Assessing Behavioral and Physiological Welfare Indicators for the Kashmir Loach (Triplophysa kashmirensis).” The project is being led by Dr Syed Talia Mushtaq as Principal Investigator, with Rehman serving as the Lead Applicant.

The research seeks to generate scientific evidence on behavioural and physiological welfare indicators of the Kashmir Loach, an endemic fish species found in the Kashmir Valley. The study is expected to contribute to the development of science-based conservation and management strategies while advancing welfare-focused approaches to freshwater biodiversity conservation.

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, congratulated Rehman and Dr Mushtaq on securing the prestigious international grant. He said the achievement reflects the growing global recognition of research being undertaken at the university.

“Such internationally funded projects strengthen the university’s commitment to impactful research and biodiversity conservation. We are proud of our young researchers who are contributing to addressing critical environmental and conservation challenges,” he said.

Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, Prof Farooz Ahmad Bhat, described the grant as a major accomplishment for the faculty, noting that the project addresses an important yet relatively understudied aspect of fish conservation and welfare. He said the findings would enhance understanding and protection of Kashmir’s endemic aquatic biodiversity.

Head of the Division of Fisheries Resource Management, Dr Tasaduq Hussain Shah, said the international funding support underscores the scientific merit and relevance of the work being carried out by the division. He expressed confidence that the study would generate valuable insights for conservation planning and sustainable management of native fish resources.

Dr Syed Talia Mushtaq, the Principal Investigator and research supervisor, said welfare assessment of freshwater fishes remains a relatively unexplored area. She noted that the project would provide critical baseline information for the conservation of *Triplophysa kashmirensis* and help bridge key knowledge gaps in the management of threatened Himalayan freshwater species.

Expressing gratitude, Rehman acknowledged the support of the university administration, Faculty of Fisheries, Division of Fisheries Resource Management and her supervisor. She said the grant would facilitate innovative research aimed at improving understanding of the welfare and conservation needs of the Kashmir Loach, a species of considerable ecological significance in the region.

The award highlights the increasing international recognition of research being carried out at SKUAST-K and reinforces the university’s role in promoting globally relevant studies on biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources.

Sonamarg, Jun 18: Amid the huge tourist arrival and ahead of the annual AmarnathYatra, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President MehboobaMuti on Thursday urged people of Kashmir to use the yatra as an opportunity to build harmony.
The former chief minister said tourists and AmarnathYatris visiting Kashmir should go back as “ambassadors of peace” and share the real, welcoming face of Kashmir with rest of the country. 

She made the remarks while interacting with a group of stakeholders and locals including representatives of Pony Association, Beopar Mandal, and Tour and Travel Guide Association in Sonamarg tourist destination.
Mehbooba said that in times of growing hate and polarisation, AmarnathYatra was an opportunity to defeat hate and mistrust. 
“I came to Sonamarg today to talk to the people here about the upcoming AmarnathYatra. I requested them to make the yatra as successful as possible and serve the yatris as much as they can,” she said. 

Asserting that the people of Kashmir had always supported the annual yatra, the PDP chief pointed out that a lot of “hatred” was spread throughout the country against Muslims, especially Kashmiris. 

Hence, she said, the yatra should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared belonging between Kashmir and the rest of the country. The former chief minister said the yatris should leave Kashmir happy and satisfied. 
“Kashmir was always known for its hospitality, compassion, and respect for guests. Kashmiris, especially people living in areas like Sonamarg and Pahalgam, have always welcomed visitors with warmth and dignity. This spirit of Kashmiriyat is our greatest strength and our biggest message to the world,” she said.

Mehbooa said the narrative about Kashmir needs to change. 
“Tourists come here with some fear in their minds. But when they meet our people, taste our food, see our hospitality, they leave with love. That love should travel with them,” she said. “Every tourist who returns home is an ambassador. Kashmiris are warm, and this land deserves peace, not conflict.”
Mehboobaemphasised that Kashmir’s hospitality, kindness, and compassion should serve as a response to prejudice and mistrust. 
She urged people to warmly welcome yatris and ensure that every visitor leaves the Valley with positive memories and a deeper understanding of Kashmiri culture and tradition. 

“The yatra is an opportunity for us to connect with people from across the country. Our hospitality, kindness, and compassion should be our answer to prejudice and mistrust,” she said. 
The former chief minister said that yatris may well become ambassadors who carry their experience of Jammu and Kashmir back to their homes and communities. 

She said the “misinformation and prejudice” directed against J&K could best be challenged through genuine human outreach and a heartfelt welcome to every yatri. 

She also urged the administration to improve facilities, cleanliness, and safety for visitors at places like Sonamarg so that tourists leave with only good memories.
The PDP President also voiced concern over the hardships faced by locals, alleging that the registration and verification process for the AmarnathYatra had become cumbersome. 
She said many locals who invested lakhs of rupees in preparations for the yatra season had not been granted permission to operate at the Baltal base camp. 

Mehbooba also opposed the proposed cable car project in Sonamarg, warning that it could adversely affect the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on tourism. She urged the administration to consider an alternative location for the project and highlighted the continued closure of trekking destinations following the Pahalgam incident.