Srinagar, Feb 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticised the government led by Omar Abdullah over what it described as inadequate action to protect the environment, claiming that the Kashmir Valley is witnessing an alarming rise in temperatures.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, BJP spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia, along with party leaders Altaf Thakur and Manzoor Bhat, alleged that Kashmir’s temperature is rising nearly 2.5°C above normal, significantly higher than the global warming trend of around 1.5°C, placing the region in what he termed a “danger zone”.
Jasrotia criticised the government’s approach to climate issues, saying that instead of focusing on increasing green cover and protecting forests, the administration was discussing artificial solutions such as artificial snow and cooling systems.
“At a time when we need massive greenery and forest protection, the Chief Minister talks about artificial snow and artificial cooling. These are cosmetic measures and potentially dangerous for sports lovers and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” he said.
He alleged that during the past one-and-a-half years, the government has failed to adequately safeguard the region’s green cover. “Trees are being cut in the name of development, but there is no serious effort to restore what is being lost. We are gradually losing our natural cooling shield,” he added.
The BJP leader further accused the administration of lacking a clear climate action strategy and prioritising “public relations exercises over environmental protection.” He said unregulated urban expansion, road widening projects and shrinking orchards were contributing to ecological imbalance in the region.
Targeting the government politically, Jasrotia said the administration appeared more focused on holding power than protecting the Valley’s forests and wetlands.
He also claimed that between 2019 and 2023, forest cover in the region saw some improvement and the historic “Four Chinar” site was restored by the forest department during that period before being handed back to the gardens and parks department. According to him, deforestation, wetland degradation and unchecked construction have again increased under the present administration.
“These trends could worsen heatwaves, reduce snowfall and adversely impact tourism and horticulture,” he said.
Altaf Thakur said environmental changes were already affecting livelihoods. “Irregular snowfall and rising temperatures are hurting apple growers and the tourism sector. The government has failed to present a transparent climate policy or a concrete urban planning framework,” he said.
Manzoor Bhat added that rapid urbanisation in Srinagar and other towns without ecological safeguards was intensifying the urban heat effect. He stressed the need for scientific planning and strict monitoring of tree felling.
Calling for mass public participation in environmental conservation, Jasrotia proposed a symbolic plantation initiative. “On Eid, every child should receive a Chinar sapling as Eidee and plant it. This will send a powerful message about preserving our heritage and securing our future,” he said.
The BJP leaders demanded a time-bound afforestation programme, a strict audit of development projects involving tree cutting, and the revival of wetlands and traditional water bodies, warning that failure to act could push Kashmir toward irreversible environmental damage.
