Srinagar, March 05, 2025 – Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, the Peoples Democratic Party MLA from Pulwama, has called for mandatory environmental assessments for all major infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, spotlighting the growing tension between development and ecological preservation in the region. The demand comes as the Union Territory witnesses a surge in development activities, raising concerns over environmental degradation, water scarcity, and the long-term sustainability of its fragile ecosystem.
Para, a prominent voice in the J&K Legislative Assembly, emphasised the need for a balanced approach that fosters economic growth while safeguarding the environment. “Infrastructure projects are vital for establishing production units and generating employment opportunities for the youth of Kashmir,” he stated. “However, unchecked development risks irreversible damage to our ecology. A midway path is essential—a judicious balance between growth and environmental protection.”
The PDP legislator’s remarks reflect a broader debate unfolding across Jammu and Kashmir, where ambitious infrastructure initiatives, such as the proposed National Institute of Technology (NIT) campus in Pulwama and the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels, promise economic upliftment but have sparked unease among locals and environmentalists. In Pulwama, for instance, residents have protested the allocation of nearly 5,000 kanals of land for the NIT, citing the potential loss of apple and almond orchards—key to their livelihoods—and the disruption of the region’s ecological harmony.
Environmental concerns have intensified in recent years as Jammu and Kashmir grapples with the fallout of rapid tourism growth and construction. Popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are increasingly littered with waste, while deforestation for infrastructure projects has been linked to erratic weather patterns, including an 87% rainfall deficit in the Kashmir Valley in January 2025. Water scarcity, a pressing issue in many areas, has further fuelled calls for stricter regulations.
“We urge the government to prioritise comprehensive environmental assessments before approving major projects,” Para said, echoing sentiments shared by civil society groups like the Valley’s Environmental Policy Group (EPG). “Excessive development is degrading our natural resources and threatening the future of our youth, who depend on this land.”
The Omar Abdullah-led government has acknowledged the complexity of the issue. In January, Chief Minister Abdullah indicated flexibility regarding the NIT project, stating that the administration would consider relocating it if Pulwama’s residents collectively opposed it. However, critics argue that broader policy measures, including mandatory ecological reviews, are overdue.
Para’s demand aligns with the PDP’s recent legislative efforts. Ahead of the J&K Assembly’s budget session, which began on March 3, the party introduced private member bills addressing land rights, employment regularisation, and substance abuse—issues intertwined with the region’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. While these bills signal the PDP’s intent to influence policy, their passage remains uncertain given the party’s limited representation, with only three MLAs in the Assembly.
As Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crossroads, the infrastructure versus ecology debate underscores a critical question: Can development and sustainability coexist? For now, Para and his constituents are pushing for a model that ensures jobs and growth without sacrificing the region’s natural heritage. “Kashmir’s beauty is its strength,” he concluded. “We cannot afford to lose it in the name of progress.”