Respect Environment

Kashmir Valley has been now since long been in the grip of natural disasters especially the damaging floods and continuous cycle of earthquakes and Landslides. All this have been the results of playing havoc with the environment. Destruction of wetlands, vandalizing the forests termed as green gold of Kashmir has been the main reason behind these natural disasters in Kashmir. Jungle smulgers, urbanization, lopsided development has destroyed the lush green forests of Kashmir. Once long areas of forests are now just jungle of constructions. As a result of destruction of these forests the natural balance has been adversely hit with flora and fauna taking a big hit. Wetland destruction too has taken at rampant pace over the past few decades. According to seasoned opinions on ground, Dal Lake, Anchar Lake, Manasbal and Wular Lake are some of the larger wetlands of the basin. Extensive marshes have been also formed in lower areas through catchment drainages, particularly between Srinagar and Sopore Rakh Asham, Naugam, Malgam, are some of the major marshes of the valley, but regrettably a large portion of which has been drained and reclaimed for agriculture and settlement”.To make matters worse, The illegal encroachments and construction in Dal and other lakes causes water level to rise and lakes can’t bear the continuous spell of rain and same water overflows causing fear and destruction. More than 30% of wetlands in Kashmir valley have been encroached upon or severally damaged. It is high time we rectify our mistakes and stop playing havoc with our environment otherwise Kashmir will witness total destruction. Respecting environment has to be made a priority.