Environmental Issues
Major issues
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Glacier retreat | Kolahoi, Thajiwas, Siachen and Zanskar glaciers are shrinking, affecting river flow |
| Lake degradation | Dal Lake has shrunk and is polluted by sewage, weeds and encroachment. Wular and Anchar are silted |
| Deforestation | Illegal felling in the Pir Panjal, Kishtwar |
| Human-wildlife conflict | Black bear and leopard attacks, hangul decline |
| Overtourism and waste | Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Leh (water and waste pressure) |
| Urban pressure | Loss of orchards and paddy land to buildings |
| Climate change | Warmer winters, less snow, erratic rain |
| Air and water pollution | Srinagar, Jammu |
Conservation efforts
- Dal Lake Conservation: the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) and the Dal rehabilitation of houseboat dwellers.
- Hangul Project (1970), Snow Leopard Project (Project Snow Leopard, 2009) and the Wetland Conservation plans.
- Ladakh's Snow Leopard conservation (Himalayan Homestays, community-based).
- Eco-tourism and carrying capacity rules for Amarnath Yatra.
- Wular Conservation and Management Plan (Ramsar).
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.