Experts warn that without stricter environmental safeguards, flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts will become more frequent and destructive.
Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing an alarming rise in extreme weather events, with climate experts and environmentalists warning that the region is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In just the last two weeks, nearly 15 cloudburst incidents have been reported from different parts of the Union Territory, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, roads and agricultural land.
One of the major incidents was reported along the Doda–Kishtwar National Highway near Thathri, where a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, disrupting traffic and causing significant damage to nearby houses and public infrastructure. Rescue teams and local authorities were pressed into action to restore connectivity and assist affected families.
A few days later, another cloudburst struck the Pahalgam region, resulting in flash floods that inundated several hotels and tourist facilities. Tourists staying in the affected areas had to be evacuated overnight as floodwaters entered hotel premises. While there was no major loss of life, the incident once again highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Kashmir’s tourist destinations to extreme weather events.
Environmental experts believe that climate change alone cannot be blamed for the growing destruction. They argue that unchecked construction, encroachment on floodplains, and violations of environmental regulations have significantly increased the risk. According to activists, hotels and commercial buildings are being constructed in flood-prone areas and ecologically sensitive zones, making natural disasters even more devastating.
Locals allege that several structures have been raised without obtaining mandatory clearances from the concerned departments. They claim that influential individuals continue to secure permissions through political influence or corruption, while environmental laws remain poorly enforced.
Concerns have also been raised over large-scale construction in the Mamal Pahalgam Wildlife Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive area where environmental regulations prohibit permanent concrete structures. However, residents and activists allege that massive hotel projects and commercial buildings are coming up in and around protected zones, while the departments responsible for safeguarding these fragile ecosystems have failed to act.
Whenever questions are raised about these alleged violations, officials often attribute responsibility to previous administrations or officers who have since been transferred, leaving accountability unresolved. Environmental groups argue that this pattern has allowed illegal construction to continue unchecked for years.
Experts warn that unless strict environmental safeguards are implemented immediately, incidents such as flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts are likely to become more frequent and more destructive. They stress the need for scientific urban planning, strict enforcement of environmental laws, restoration of natural drainage channels, and a complete ban on illegal construction in ecologically sensitive areas.
Residents, environmental activists and civil society groups have appealed to the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to launch a comprehensive review of all construction projects in eco-sensitive tourist destinations.
They have demanded strict action against illegal encroachments and called for stronger environmental protection measures to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and safeguard the natural beauty of Kashmir for future generations.
