CAG Report Reveals Alarming Decline of Water Bodies in Jammu and Kashmir
Over 500 water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir have been lost or are shrinking, warns CAG report
Zee News)
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A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlights the severe decline of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, with 518 out of 697 lakes and wetlands either lost or shrinking. Urgent action is needed to address the ecological crisis and prevent catastrophic weather events in the region.
- 01CAG report shows 74% of surveyed water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared or shrunk.
- 02Rapid urbanization and mismanagement are primary causes of the decline.
- 03The loss of lakes has increased vulnerability to extreme weather events, including floods.
- 04Experts stress the need for better inter-departmental coordination and community involvement.
- 05Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls for collective responsibility to address the crisis.
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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has issued a stark warning regarding the decline of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that 518 out of 697 surveyed lakes and wetlands have either disappeared or shrunk significantly. This alarming trend, which affects nearly 74% of the surveyed bodies, is attributed to rapid urbanization, encroachment, and inadequate conservation efforts. The report highlights that 315 lakes are no longer traceable, while 203 have lost a combined area of 1,314 hectares. The consequences of this degradation include increased susceptibility to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. Experts emphasize the need for a cohesive management strategy involving various government departments and community participation to safeguard these critical ecosystems. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the findings, urging citizens to take collective action to mitigate the crisis. The CAG report underscores the urgency for immediate intervention to prevent further environmental degradation in the region.
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The loss of water bodies increases the risk of floods and droughts, affecting local communities and ecosystems.
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