Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, has strongly condemned the rampant illegal constructions in Pahalgam, as reported by the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA).
The Forum has declared that such violations cannot be tolerated at the cost of Kashmir's fragile ecology and environment, particularly in eco-sensitive areas like Pahalgam.
Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani stated, “The natural beauty, topography, hills, and rivers are what make Kashmir renowned globally. Turning this paradise into a concrete jungle not only destroys its pristine beauty but also poses severe threats to the environment and tourism, which are the backbone of our region.”
The JKCSF endorsed the PDA's concerns, emphasizing that illegal constructions and unchecked development will devastate the region’s ecosystem and undermine decades of conservation efforts. The Forum applauded the decisive actions taken by PDA’s CEO, Masrat Hashim, in issuing stop-construction notices to violators and urging government intervention.
JKCSF reiterated the necessity for strict enforcement of the Master Plan, ensuring that all development activities are carried out responsibly and within the framework of environmental preservation. The Forum called upon the government to impose an immediate and comprehensive ban on unauthorized construction activities in Pahalgam and other tourist destinations across Kashmir.
“We urge the authorities to implement the PDA's recommendations and ensure that all future development aligns with the approved master plan. Sustainable development is not only vital for protecting our environment but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on tourism,” Wani said.
The Forum concluded by appealing to the public to cooperate with conservation efforts and urged the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violators to preserve the natural heritage of Kashmir for future generations.
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