Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari urges the government to investigate human activities that may have worsened recent natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir.
New Delhi, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday urged the government to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether human activities have exacerbated the impact of the recent and ongoing natural disasters across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been grappling with a series of natural calamities, which have raised concerns about the interplay between human actions and environmental resilience.
In a statement issued here, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said it was imperative to ascertain whether environmentally harmful practices had intensified the scale of devastation witnessed during the calamity. This call for assessment comes in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir, which have been linked to both climatic changes and human-induced factors.
“We must honestly examine whether any human activities made this disaster more devastating. Experts should be brought in to assess the extent to which human actions may have contributed to increasing the scale of destruction,” he said. The emphasis on expert involvement highlights the need for a scientific and methodical approach to understanding the causes of disasters, rather than relying solely on anecdotal evidence or assumptions.
Altaf Bukhari stressed the need to investigate whether factors such as “the encroachment of water bodies, construction on fragile mountain slopes, large-scale deforestation, excessive extraction of sand, gravel and stones from riverbeds and hills, and other environmentally damaging practices had played a role in worsening the disaster.” The region's topography, characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous water bodies, makes it particularly vulnerable to such practices, which can destabilize the land and lead to catastrophic events like landslides and flooding.
Encroachment on water bodies, for instance, disrupts natural drainage systems, while construction on unstable slopes increases the risk of landslides. Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces the land's ability to absorb rainfall, leading to increased runoff and flooding. The extraction of natural resources, if not managed sustainably, can also contribute to soil erosion and habitat destruction, compounding the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
“If these factors are found to have contributed, the government has a clear responsibility to act without delay. It must take both immediate and long-term corrective measures to reduce future risks and protect lives,” he said. This statement underscores the urgent need for policy changes and regulatory measures to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment. Bukhari's call for action reflects a growing recognition among policymakers and environmentalists alike that sustainable development practices are essential for disaster risk reduction.
He further said that “wherever environmental degradation could be reversed, every possible effort should be made to restore and revive the affected ecosystems.” This aligns with global environmental initiatives that advocate for ecological restoration as a means to enhance resilience against climate change and natural disasters. Restoring ecosystems can not only help in mitigating the impacts of future disasters but also contribute to biodiversity conservation and the overall health of the environment.
In areas where the damage is irreversible, “all necessary steps must be taken to prevent any further harm to the region’s ecology and environment,” he added. This is particularly crucial in regions that have faced significant ecological degradation, as the long-term health of these environments is vital for the livelihoods of local communities.
Altaf Bukhari strongly appealed to the authorities and the public not to forget the lessons of the recent calamities once normalcy returns. “As the weather improves and life gradually returns to normal, we must not allow these tragedies and the widespread devastation to fade from our memory. Instead, they should serve as a powerful reminder to identify and correct the human mistakes that may have made this disaster even more destructive.” This sentiment echoes a broader call for a cultural shift towards greater environmental awareness and responsibility among both individuals and institutions.
The implications of Bukhari's statements extend beyond immediate disaster response efforts. They highlight the necessity for a shift in how development is approached in Jammu and Kashmir, where economic growth must be balanced with environmental sustainability. As the region continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and human impact, integrating environmental considerations into planning and development processes will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the government to ensure each and every affected individual and family is provided with timely assistance and support in these difficult times. The humanitarian aspect of disaster response cannot be overlooked, as timely relief can significantly affect the recovery trajectories of affected communities.
“Government’s priority must be to provide immediate relief, adequate compensation, and complete rehabilitation to every individual and family affected by the natural calamity.” This call for comprehensive support reflects an understanding of the multifaceted impacts of disasters, which can include loss of property, livelihoods, and even lives.
“This should be undertaken as a dedicated campaign in the affected areas so that no victim is left behind and that every deserving family receives timely assistance and support,” Bukhari added. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also helps in rebuilding trust between the government and the communities it serves, fostering a sense of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Altaf Bukhari's call for an assessment of human impact on natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir is a crucial step towards understanding the complex dynamics of environmental degradation and disaster risk. As the region continues to face challenges from both natural and human-induced factors, it is imperative that all stakeholders work collaboratively to create a sustainable and resilient future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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