Srinagar, 13 October (H.S.): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for a practical and balanced approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that environmental protection, economic growth and people’s livelihoods must go hand in hand.

The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, jointly organised by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC). The summit, held under the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026, is themed around sustainable Himalayan landscapes for inclusive Viksit Bharat and the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir.

Emphasising the urgent need to protect the region’s fragile mountain ecology, the Chief Minister said climate change, erratic snowfall, water scarcity, extreme rainfall and landslides were increasingly affecting Jammu and Kashmir, making sustainable development essential for its long-term survival.

“We do not take care of our mountains, our environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world will have to come together to address this challenge. But we can certainly take better care of our own environment,” he said.

Referring to changing weather patterns, the Chief Minister observed that snowfall had become increasingly erratic, with reduced snowfall and delayed winter precipitation contributing to water shortages during the spring months. He said prolonged dry spells were often followed by intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding, creating fresh challenges for communities and infrastructure.

Describing these developments as the new reality, Omar Abdullah said the challenge was to determine how Jammu and Kashmir could continue to develop while adapting to growing environmental risks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar