SRINAGAR: The BJP on Tuesday accused Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of promoting “cosmetic measures” instead of addressing climate crisis a day after the CM proposed generation of artificial snow in ski resort of Gulmarg to counter warm winter.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, J&K BJP spokesperson, Abhijeet Jasrotia said Kashmir’s temperature is witnessing a rise of nearly 2.5 degrees above normal—significantly higher than the global warming rate of around 1.5 degrees—placing the Valley in a danger zone.
“At a time when we need massive greenery and forest protection, the CM talks about artificial snow and artificial cooling. These are cosmetic measures and potentially dangerous for sports lovers and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” he said.
The CM had yesterday proposed generation of artificial snow at the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg to safeguard its winter sports and tourism industry in view of a warm winter in Kashmir.
Kashmir witnessed very moderate winter this year and is now witnessing unusually warm February with the day temperature staying about 9-11 degrees above normal including at famed ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir.
Jasrotia alleged that during the past one and a half years, the Omar government has failed to safeguard the region’s green cover. “Trees are being cut in the name of development and there is no serious effort to restore what is being lost. We are gradually losing our natural cooling shield.”
Accusing the Omar government 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.
“Instead of taking decisive steps to protect Kashmir’s forests and wetlands, the government appears content enjoying the hot seat,” the BJP spokesman said.
He claimed that between 2019- 2023, forest cover in the region for the first time saw a bit of improvement and cited restoration of historic Char Chinar by the Forest Department.
“Under the NC dispensation, deforestation, wetland degradation and unchecked construction have resurged, potentially worsening heatwaves, reducing snowfall and impacting tourism and horticulture,” Jasrotia alleged.
Another BJP leader, Altaf Thakur, said environmental degradation was already impacting 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 concrete urban planning framework,” he said.
Jasrotia proposed a symbolic plantation campaign. “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.”
The BJP leaders demanded a time-bound afforestation programme, strict audit of development projects involving tree cutting and revival of wetlands and traditional water bodies.
They warned that failure to act could push Kashmir toward irreversible environmental damage.