By: Tuba Naquib
India is confronting increasingly extreme and frequent weather patterns, underscoring that climate change is no longer a distant issue but an urgent crisis demanding immediate action. This scenario raises critical questions: Why are political parties silent on climate and environmental issues? Why do government responses often come only after disasters have struck?
With growing cities, rapid industrialization, and unique biodiversity in India, embracing environmentally sustainable policies is crucial. From increasing pollution rates to record deforestation, our environment’s resilience is stretched thin. Jammu & Kashmir, an ecologically fragile region, is currently grappling with significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, wetland degradation, and the adverse effects of unchecked tourism on local habitats. Following the recent elections, there is renewed hope for fresh perspectives in governance. However, it is concerning that environmental issues were largely neglected in political manifestos. The potential for green politics in Jammu and Kashmir—ideally focused on advocating for economic policies that prioritize environmental protection—seems notably absent from the current political discourse.
Sustainable policies aren’t just about ecology but social justice, economic growth, and community well-being. To protect our vulnerable landscapes, we need policies that prioritize eco-friendly tourism, regulate riverbed constructions, and ensure disaster mitigation.
This commentary explores how green politics can be a powerful tool, creating economic opportunities, improving health, and building a sustainable future for all.
Understanding Green Politics and Its Importance
Green politics, or ecopolitics, advocates for an ecologically sustainable society built on principles of environmental stewardship, nonviolence, social justice, and grassroots democracy. It centres around four core values: ecological wisdom, social justice, grassroots democracy, and nonviolence.
In a country as populous as India, environmental challenges are vast. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have contributed to air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. WHO data indicates that 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive environmental policies. The impact on health is severe, with air pollution contributing to widespread respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
India also faces one of the highest rates of deforestation worldwide, with 557 square kilometres of dense forest lost in 2019 alone, according to the Forest Survey of India. This deforestation accelerates biodiversity loss as habitats shrink, and India’s climate vulnerabilities, from intensifying heatwaves to rising sea levels, place millions at risk.
Urbanization further complicates matters, with the country generating 62 million tons of solid waste each year, only 20% of which is processed. This leads to significant environmental and public health issues, especially from unprocessed waste accumulating in landfills.
Why Green Politics is Essential for India
Green politics is more than an ideology; it’s a necessity. Green policies are crucial for India on multiple fronts. Implementing environmentally sound policies can mitigate climate impacts, curb pollution, and conserve biodiversity. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind will reduce India’s carbon footprint and help achieve its net-zero target by 2070.
Green politics can also catalyze economic growth. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that shifting to a green economy could create up to 24 million jobs globally by 2030. India stands to benefit significantly in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation sectors.
Moreover, a green approach can enhance energy security by decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels; India currently imports 80% of its oil. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that India’s renewable energy capacity could double by 2024 with sufficient political and financial support.
Health is another area that green policies would greatly improve. By reducing pollution, India can decrease the prevalence of respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses, leading to lower healthcare costs and an improved quality of life for millions. Lastly, green politics emphasizes social justice, ensuring that environmental benefits reach all, including vulnerable communities, by providing equitable access to clean energy and sustainable jobs.
In sum, the adoption of green politics in India is vital not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic growth, health benefits, energy security, and social justice.
The Critical Role of Green Politics in Jammu and Kashmir
The scope of green politics in Jammu and Kashmir, which should ideally centre around advocating for economic policies to protect the environment, appears notably absent. The Assembly Elections, held in Jammu and Kashmir in October 2024, brought a wave of hope and enthusiasm as people looked forward to a revival of democratic practices. Various political parties, including the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC)—the region’s oldest and largest political party—the People’s Democratic Party, and others, presented their election manifestos. While these manifestos primarily addressed political and social issues, there was a stark omission of any focus on environmental concerns.
The manifestos emphasized topics such as statehood restoration, development, economic revival, and other pressing issues. However, the complete disregard for environmental causes is concerning. Political parties should have included a “Green Manifesto” with specific commitments to sustainable development and environmental preservation in the region.
The ecologically fragile region of Jammu and Kashmir faces persistent threats from uncontrolled water and air pollution, wetland degradation and loss, riverbed mining, inadequate drainage systems, deforestation, and the unchecked establishment of cement and brick kiln industries. These issues are compounded by the valley’s economic dependency on tourism, which—while fueled by the region’s unparalleled natural beauty—has led to unregulated growth, placing additional strain on the already vulnerable environment. Notably, the manifestos lacked any mention of regulated tourism or EcoTourism Policy.
The influx of tourists has driven the construction of large hotels in popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Yusmarg, resulting in severe environmental challenges, including habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, air and noise pollution, water contamination, and excessive waste generation. Addressing these issues through sustainable tourism practices is essential to preserving the region’s environmental integrity.
A recent article on Kashmir’s tourism expansion highlighted how tourism growth is being prioritized over environmental sustainability. Residents in Gurez Valley report that increased tourism and its associated infrastructure are straining local habitats, degrading river water quality, and overwhelming sewage systems. Similarly, Bungus Valley, which holds significant environmental value, is facing the same pressures. However, the government’s focus remains heavily centred on developing tourism infrastructure and promotion rather than on environmental conservation. Bungus now risks facing similar ecological threats as Sonmarg and Doodhpatri, which have been marketed as tourist destinations at the cost of environmental health.
While people hope the new government formed on October 16, 2024, in Jammu and Kashmir will bring change in terms of administrative order and governance, environmental protection must also be a priority. The issue of safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s environment is critical. Unfortunately, political parties appear largely indifferent to these concerns. There has been little mention of pressing issues like the frequent degradation of water bodies, loss of wetlands, and deforestation.
There is an urgent need for stronger policies that prioritize environmental conservation over short-term interests. Environmental protection laws were introduced in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance framework long ago, and a clause on environmental safeguards was included in the Union Territory’s tourism policy established in 2020. However, the major issue lies in the weak implementation of these laws. While the laws are well-crafted, a lax approach to enforcement undermines their effectiveness. Those in power must recognize that a healthy environment is essential for the survival and well-being of individuals.
Jammu and Kashmir’s ecologically fragile region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Recent climate changes—such as warmer, drier winters, receding water bodies, and drought-like conditions in summer—demand urgent attention. Yet, the government has shown consistent negligence in ensuring adequate flood mitigation measures. Recurring floods, frequent cloudbursts, and diminishing river carrying capacity are critical issues the region faces, yet mitigation efforts remain insufficient. Moreover, the authorities have remained silent on unchecked construction along riverbeds, exacerbating the environmental strain. Addressing these issues with serious, actionable measures is imperative for safeguarding the region’s ecological health.
With Kashmir entering a new phase of elected government, its people are hopeful for positive change, particularly through active engagement in green politics. Effective climate change mitigation measures from the government are urgently needed, as erratic weather patterns threaten to destabilize the region’s already fragile ecosystem. Ranking third among Himalayan areas vulnerable to climate change, with a vulnerability index of 0.62, as revealed in a comprehensive study conducted by the Department of Ecology, Environment, and Remote Sensing, J&K Government, Jammu and Kashmir requires special attention to environmental resilience. Strengthening the implementation of existing environmental protection policies is essential.
Conclusion
The transition to new political leadership in Jammu and Kashmir presents a significant opportunity to move beyond traditional party ideologies towards a collaborative approach to address pressing political, economic, and environmental challenges. Sustainable development in the region hinges on the active engagement of all stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and local communities. This collective effort is essential for advancing environmental protection and promoting a cleaner, greener future for Jammu and Kashmir. The imperative for integrated strategies that prioritize sustainability alongside political and economic stability cannot be overstated, as they are crucial for ensuring the long-term well-being of the region and its inhabitants. (For author bio and references visit www.jkpi.org)
