Mountains account for 54% of terrestrial area yet find less than 10% mention on international climate adaptation funding. With 70-80% Himalayan glaciers receding or unstable there’s urgent need for policy shift towards recognising local communities as stakeholders in planning.
Honored to address environmental scholars and researchers at the National Conference on Environmental Challenges, in Jammu today.
Our Himalayas are sending us clear warnings. Kolahoi Glacier has retreated 2.85 km since 1857, and four of the last five winters recorded below-normal snowfall. We lost 120+ hectares of forest in 2025 alone.
But we are responding with action. Our draft Solar Policy 2025 , Hydropower Policy 2025 and 600MW rooftop solar program are turning climate challenges into opportunities. Our 600,000 transhumant pastoralists sustain ecosystem services worth several thousand crors annually through traditional practices.
Climate action means jobs, energy security, and protecting our mountains for future generations. A fine combination of Science , Society and Policy has the potential to address the emerging challenges posed by Climate Change
Grateful to Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Dr Deepika Slathia Dr Neeraj Sharma and the University of Jammu, JKSTIC led by Dr @khabirjk for organizing this important dialogue. It was also a great pleasure to meet my favourite Dr @lotusladakh besides former senior colleagues in the Forests Dr CM Seth , Dr RS Jasrotia and Dr OP Sharma.
Tribal Pastoralists of J&K contribute ₹5,800 Crore every year to protecting nature in the Western Himalayas: Oxford Policy Report
For the first time, a scientific study has quantified the real economic value of the rangelands and ecosystem services sustained by the pastoral and transhumant tribal communities of Jammu & Kashmir.
The findings show that the traditional livelihoods of tribal pastoralists, their seasonal migrations, grazing cycles, and care for mountain pastures generate ecosystem benefits worth over ₹5,880 crore every year (baseline TAD 2021 survey)
Their work quietly sustains forests, enriches soils, regulates water systems, stores carbon, and prevents forest fires across the western Himalayas —providing climate services of immense value to all of us.
My Policy Report, in academic collaboration with Prof. Benjamin K. Sovacool (Boston University) and Prof. Anna Patherick (University of Oxford), gives long-overdue recognition to our tribal pastoral communities as guardians of ecological balance and partners in climate resilience. It lays the foundation for introducing a Payment for Ecological Services (PES) framework for migratory pastoral families, similar to models successfully implemented in several European countries.
I am humbled and proud that this study has been awarded a Distinction by the University of Oxford — a recognition that indeed belongs to every pastoral family who has protected these mountains through their wisdom and way of life.
Rangelands account for 40% of global land area, support 1 billion people with essential resources & contribute $100 billion to world economy. Our workshop on “Rangeland Management for Sustainable Rural Development” discussed policy initiatives aligned with IYRP.
Rangelands account for 40% of global land area, support 1 billion people with essential resources & contribute $100 billion to world economy. Our workshop on “Rangeland Management for Sustainable Rural Development” discussed policy initiatives aligned with IYRP.
Community participation key to rangeland conservation in J&K: Dr Shahid @listenshahid
-PCCF outlines challenges, efforts being made
https://t.co/mQWAjFzeVZ
Community participation key to rangeland conservation in J&K: Dr Shahid @listenshahid
-PCCF outlines challenges, efforts being made
https://t.co/mQWAjFzeVZ
@rumi_e_kashmir Candidates qualifying for admission in Govt approved aviation academies can apply for scholarship. Please share details of your course for further assistance.
Hostel work started in 2017 at Koteranka without tendering ,50% of project funds withdrawn only for plinth work, stands foreclosed & under enquiry. In FY 2023-24 the project is started through PWD. Media is requested to verify facts instead of falling pray to vested interests
This claim is MISLEADING and FALSE! In 2017 work for Koteranka hostel started without tender & AAA, through JKHB. Half of project funds withdrawn only for plinth work. In Sept 22, project closed. In 2023 project formally tendered by PWD. An enquiry is under way for 12 such ((1/2)
Projects allotted to contractors without tenders. Meanwhile Deptt acting in the interest of tribal students foreclosed these projects and transferred to PWD for re-start and completion. Only 7 projects mentioned in Sept 2022 letter being completed, other 5 not possible!
This claim is MISLEADING and FALSE! In 2017 work for Koteranka hostel started without tender & AAA, through JKHB. Half of project funds withdrawn only for plinth work. In Sept 22, project closed. In 2023 project formally tendered by PWD. An enquiry is under way for 12 such ((1/2)
Deptt has formally initiated the process to start work on 7 more hostels which were abandoned since many years for lack of tendering, adm approval & sanctions. Funds made available under UT CapEx 2022-23 to avoid wasteful expenditure & deprivation of facilities for students.