Editorial | Ravaging the natural assets

During unusual times some of the usually important things take a back seat. This is what has happened to the instruments of governance in Kashmir when it comes to the preservation and upkeep of the wetlands, and the water bodies. It goes without saying that the valley of Kashmir, even other regions of J&K, are bestowed with the natural resources like water bodies, and wetlands. It is the duty of the concerned departments to take care of this natural resource and disallow any vandalisation of the same. But unfortunately we have been witnessing, for many years now, a consistent degradation of this natural asset. There is an unpardonable apathy on part of the officials who were tasked with the upkeep and safety of these assets. In the times of disruption, natural or otherwise, the damage to these natural assets has always seen a spike. In the recent past we have seen people complaining about the shrinking wetlands. The pictures of the choked water bodies, with dried up beds, are frequently displayed on various media outlets, print as well as electronic.

This is a a huge concern and if it is not timely attended to, it will be a disaster for our next generations. We have already lost many waterbodies, and the area of wetlands has come down considerably. Our cherished water bodies, like Dal lake Nigeen Lake, and Mansbal Lake are always in news for this reason. The weeds that have grown in these lakes, and the waste that is being dumped into these waters, is a painful reality. Though we have rules and regulations in place, we have departments and special task forces up and standing, but still the degradation continues unabated. Someone has to take responsibility for this. After all this is a collective wealth and the administration must take active measures to safeguard it. But at the same time, as a civil society, people of J&K must also share the blame. Our attitude towards these natural assets has always remained criminal. For our petty personal gains we have ravaged these natural assets.

   

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