*”Protecting J&K’s Fragile Ecosystem: Development Must Not Come at Cost of Environment, Says Tarigami”*

Srinagar, July 03,NSR:

The House Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly held a review meeting in Srinagar to discuss critical environmental issues and challenges related to the Geology and Mining Department. Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami emphasized that development must not compromise the environment, highlighting the need to protect the local flora and fauna.

The meeting was attended by members including Peerzada Mohammad Syed, Rajiv Jasrotia, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, Zafar Ali Khatana, Khurshied Ahmed, Mushtaq Guroo, Irshad Rasool Kar, and Yudhvir Sethi. Tarigami stressed the importance of aligning development activities with environmental protection, ensuring that the fragile ecological balance of Jammu and Kashmir is maintained.

The Committee discussed the detrimental impact of unregulated mining on water levels, agriculture, and the broader ecosystem. Tarigami called for strict monitoring and vigilance against illegal mining activities, directing the department to undertake routine inspections of mining sites and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The Chairman emphasized the need to mitigate impacts on riverbanks and beds, which disrupt irrigation and harm agriculture and horticulture. He also stressed the importance of collaboration with environmental experts, NGOs, scientists, and activists to strengthen environmental protection efforts across J&K.

Principal Secretary, Geology and Mining, Anil Kumar Singh, briefed the Committee on the department’s ongoing initiatives to eliminate illegal mining, including the use of technology-driven monitoring systems to enhance vigilance and prevent violations.

The Committee members raised several environment-related concerns and unanimously demanded tougher measures to curb illegal mining. The meeting was also attended by Director, Geology and Mining, S.P. Rukwal, Chairman, Pollution Control Committee, Vasu Yadav, and other senior officials.