06/08/2026
Collective Action to Protect Nature, Stronger Laws Against Illegal Mining: Tarigami
Srinagar, Aug. 6: Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Shri M.Y. Tarigami, expressed deep concern over the growing environmental degradation in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that clean air is the very foundation of human life.
Addressing the meeting, Tarigami observed, "If pollution disturbs the very breath of human beings, then what is left to protect? Safeguarding the environment is not merely the responsibility of governments but a collective duty of every citizen."
He appealed to environmental experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, academic institutions and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to extend their wholehearted cooperation to the Committee and work collectively for the protection and preservation of Mother Nature for future generations.
Expressing serious concern over the increasing incidents of illegal mining, Tarigami directed Shri Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Mining Department, to examine the existing legal framework and suggest suitable amendments to make the laws more effective and responsive to present-day challenges. He emphasized the need for a robust regulatory mechanism to curb illegal mining and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.
The Committee members also expressed serious concern over the data relating to seizures and FIRs registered in connection with illegal mining across various districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chairman directed the Mining Department to furnish comprehensive details regarding the first and second penalties imposed on violators before the seizure of vehicles, machinery or minerals, enabling the Committee to assess the effectiveness of the existing enforcement mechanism and recommend further policy interventions wherever necessary.
During the deliberations, Shri Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA from Katra, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chairman for his proactive intervention in addressing several long-pending environmental and public issues concerning his constituency. He requested the Committee to undertake an on-the-spot visit to Katra to assess the prevailing environmental challenges and facilitate their timely resolution. The Chairman assured the members that the Committee would consider including Katra in its forthcoming inspection programme.
Reiterating the importance of collective action, the Committee observed that environmental conservation demands coordinated efforts from government departments, experts, civil society and the public to safeguard the ecological balance and secure a cleaner, healthier and sustainable future for generations to come.
