States » NorthPosted at: Oct 14 2026 9:14PM


Minister Javid Rana calls for sustainable mountain development as SKUAST-K concludes three-day summit

Srinagar, Oct 14 (UNI) J&K Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javid Ahmad Rana, on Wednesday called for responsible and holistic development of the Himalayan region, stressing the need to balance human needs with environmental protection.
He was addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) and Jammu & Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress–2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar.

“Mother Earth has enough to offer for everyone’s need, but not for anyone’s greed,” he said.
Rana congratulated SKUAST-K on the initiative and highlighted the role of civil society in advancing the vision of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.
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.
The special session featured panel discussions involving civil society members, former government officials and youth representatives. Participants shared perspectives on the priorities and provisions of the draft mountain policy, with their recommendations contributing to efforts to make the framework responsive to diverse stakeholder concerns and aspirations for sustainable and inclusive Himalayan development.
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, tourism within carrying capacity, an affordable green mountain cess and strengthened interdepartmental coordination.
He stressed the need to address unplanned, unregulated and unaccountable development and reform education to foster ecological responsibility among future generations.
Dr. Rajan Kotru of the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) presented the Summit Report, outlining recommendations from six technical sessions to refine the draft policy for Jammu and Kashmir.
IMI Secretary Dr. Roshan Rai stressed the need for inclusive and equitable Himalayan development, while former IMI president Prof. P. D. Rai said the draft policy could strengthen advocacy and serve as a model for other Himalayan states.
The three-day summit emphasised integrating scientific research with policymaking, indigenous knowledge and community participation to strengthen the resilience of Himalayan ecosystems and communities.
UNI MJR BM
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