06/08/2025
*Kashmir Concern meets Chairman Legislative Committee on Environment M.Y. Tarigami to Address J&K’s Growing Environmental Crisis*
*_“This Engagment Was a Call to Conscience, Not Just a Policy Discussion”: Dr. Touseef Bhatt_*
*Srinagar, August 6:* A high-level delegation from Kashmir Concern on Wednesday met with M.Y. Tarigami, Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Environment, presenting urgent proposals to combat the region's ecological crisis.
The crucial meeting, held at Hon'ble MLA Tarigami's Gupkar residence, brought together key environmental advocates led by Prominent Environmentalist and Kashmir Concern Chairman Dr. Touseef Bhatt.
The delegation comprised Vice President Majid Khan, Secretary Organisation Azhar Hussain Tantray, Media Head Fahad Amin Khan and Senior Member Syed Ajaz Kashani, all united in their mission to protect and restore the Kashmir's fragile environment.
Dr. Touseef Bhatt, a renowned environmentalist who has spearheaded the plantation of over 65,000 trees under a broader five lakh tree initiative across Jammu and Kashmir, presented an in-depth assessment of the current ecological degradation.
He elaborated on the systematic destruction of wetlands, which are essential for water purification and biodiversity; the worsening pollution of rivers, lakes and streams, posing serious threats to both human and aquatic life; and the alarming pace of deforestation, which is depleting the region’s carbon sinks and endangering wildlife habitats.
Chairman Tarigami acknowledged the urgency of the concerns raised and expressed appreciation for the delegation's dedicated efforts.
He underscored the necessity of collective action, stating, "The collective effort is key to the success of our dream to conserve our pristine environment and make an impression on the people that they should also be stakeholders in preserving it."
He further assured the delegation that their input would be integral to future legislative policies, adding, "We will definitely take these important suggestions and feedback in our policy formulation and will also work in tandem with Kashmir Concern members in order to achieve our goals."
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Touseef Bhatt said, “It was an honor to meet with Tarigami sahib. This is not just a policy discussion but it is a call to conscience. The land that nurtures us is crying for care. We have a duty to act, not as individuals, but as a united force that reclaims the natural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations.”
This engagement marks a pivotal moment, opening the door for long-term collaboration between civil society and legislative bodies.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both sides agreeing to maintain regular dialogue and cooperation, setting the groundwork for sustained environmental advocacy and forward-looking policy implementation that could inspire similar efforts across other environmentally vulnerable regions.
