JKCSF demands war footing measures to combat alarming air pollution

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-12-20 12:41:20 |

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Failure of Govt to protect citizens from serious public health threat unfortunate: Qayoom Wani

KS News Desk

Srinagar, Dec 20: Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) Saturday expressed its concern and deep anguish over the alarming deterioration of the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Jammu & Kashmir.

Chairman JKCSF Abdul Qayoom Wani said once known worldwide as the “Heaven on Earth,” the region is now reeling under dangerously high levels of air pollution, which is adversely affecting the lives, health, and well-being of the people.

"This disturbing situation speaks volumes about the lack of seriousness, urgency, and sensitivity among those entrusted with public welfare," Wani said .

He said that air pollution has emerged as a silent but deadly threat, leading to a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses, cardiac problems, eye disorders, and other serious health complications, particularly among children, elderly citizens, and patients suffering from chronic diseases.

"We strongly appeal to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and the Lieutenant Governor to take cognizance of this grave public issue and ensure that effective remedial measures are initiated on a war-footing basis," Wani in a statement said.

The forum urged both the elected leadership and the constitutional head to personally intervene so that administrative inertia and fragmented responses do not further endanger public health.

JKCSF demanded that strict and continuous monitoring of AQI must be done with real-time public disclosure across all districts

"Government should keep a check on vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, and unregulated burning," Wani said.

He said that the government must enforce of environmental laws against violators without any discrimination

"Large-scale public awareness campaigns must be started on the health hazards of air pollution and necessary precautions," he said.

Wani said the government must issue timely health advisories and safety guidelines during periods of severe pollution.

"Long-term measures must be chalked out for enhancing green cover and protecting fragile ecological zones," Qayoom Wani said.

JKCSF emphasizes that clean air was a fundamental right and an essential component of the right to life.

"If the resources and administrative machinery of the government fail to protect citizens from such a serious public health threat, the very purpose of governance stands defeated," the statement reads.

The forum urged the authorities to rise above political considerations and treat air pollution as a serious public health emergency.

"Continued neglect will not only endanger human lives but will also cause irreversible damage to the fragile environment of Jammu & Kashmir," Wani said.

JKCSF reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare, environmental protection, and civic responsibility and hopes that timely and decisive action will be taken in the larger interest of the people.