Dr Farooq urges sustainable dev to mitigate climate risks

Srinagar, Aug 31: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in extreme weather events in Jammu & Kashmir and the broader Himalayan region, which have been causing severe damage to both human lives and property.In a statement issued here, Dr Abdullah called for urgent, proactive measures to address the growing climate unpredictability, stressing the need for sustainable development strategies that ensure the protection of life and livelihood in the region.“The increase in weather vagaries, ranging from flash floods, landslides, and prolonged dry spells, to erratic rainfall patterns, has become a pressing concern for the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said, adding, “These unpredictable weather events are not only threatening our ecological balance but also impacting local populations, their agricultural livelihoods, infrastructure and most tragically, human lives.”Pointing out that the J&K region and the broader Himalayan belt are particularly vulnerable to climate change, the NC chief stressed that sustainable development must become the cornerstone of future planning, where the immediate need for economic growth does not come at the cost of the environment or people’s safety.“Development should no longer be seen as just economic growth; it should encompass environmental protection, ecological conservation, and social equity,” he said. “We need to re-evaluate our development models and ensure they are in harmony with nature, not at odds with it.”In light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, he called for collaboration between various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and experts, to collectively work towards mitigating climate risks and ensuring a resilient future for Jammu and Kashmir.