Srinagar, Oct 14: Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javid Ahmad Rana on Wednesday called for responsible and holistic development of the Himalayan region, emphasising the need to balance human needs with environmental protection.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) and Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress–2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, Rana said, “Mother Earth has enough to offer for everyone’s need, but not for anyone’s greed.”
He congratulated SKUAST-K on organising the event and underscored the role of civil society in advancing the vision of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir through sustainable and inclusive development.
Held from October 12 to 14 under the theme “Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat,” the summit brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers and mountain development experts to deliberate on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, ecological conservation and the draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy.
A special session featured panel discussions involving civil society representatives, former government officials and youth representatives, who shared their views on the priorities and provisions of the draft policy. Their recommendations are expected to contribute to refining the proposed framework to ensure it addresses the concerns and aspirations of diverse stakeholders.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai outlined the key provisions of the draft policy, including the classification of four mountain sensitivity zones, integration of 11 policy verticals, regulation of tourism in accordance with carrying capacity, introduction of an affordable green mountain cess and strengthening of interdepartmental coordination.
He stressed the need to address unplanned, unregulated and unaccountable development in the Himalayan region. He also called for reforms in education to foster ecological responsibility among future generations.
Dr. Rajan Kotru, Counsellor, Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), presented the Summit Report, highlighting the outcomes of six technical sessions. He said the recommendations emerging from the deliberations would inform further refinement of the draft policy.
Dr. Roshan Rai, Secretary, IMI, emphasised that inclusivity and equity must remain central to Himalayan development. Prof. P. D. Rai, former President of IMI, said the draft Jammu and Kashmir policy could strengthen policy advocacy and serve as a framework for other Himalayan states.
Earlier, Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, welcomed the dignitaries and acknowledged IMI’s partnership in organising the summit and preparing the Summit Report and draft policy report. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Khursheed Ahmad Dar.
The three-day summit highlighted the importance of linking scientific research with policymaking, with particular emphasis on indigenous knowledge, community participation and coordinated action to strengthen the resilience of Himalayan ecosystems and communities.
