SRINAGAR: Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) Thursday called for a mass public movement to halt the programme of handing over of Bajpathri to armed forces for its use as a firing range.
In a meeting held at Srinagar, the KCSDS members expressed their shock and disbelief that the state government has agreed to consider handing over of this picturesque pristine and eco fragile meadow for its destruction like Tosmaidan. The disbelief multiplies given the effusive and highly supportive statements of Indian officials following the recently concluded Paris deal on climate that affects the ecosystem globally. The effusive statements are a clear contradiction of what is being demanded, providing Bajpathri as an alternative to Tosmaidan firing range, where the lease was not renewed following public protests, backed by civil society formations like KCSDS.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the right to question the deal, as it is bound to affect ecosystem in highly eco-fragile mountainous range of Bajpathri running through three districtsBudgam, Shopian and Pulwama. The range is the source of as many as ten water supply schemes. The arsenal waste is bound to affect the quality of water provided to inhabitants falling within the mountainous range. The horrible experiences of Tosmaidan range, the loss of life and limb could get repeated, if government were to give in to a demand, which is inconsistent with Paris protocol. Bajpathri mountainous range is close to the revered shrines of Chrare Shrief and Pakharpora, hence the move to provide it on lease could affect the movement of devotees.
KCSDS also notes with concern the presence of as many as 11 firing ranges in Jammu and Kashmir out of a total of 66 in India, while the deserts of Rajasthan hold six firing ranges. It could be asked whether the state agencies are bent upon affecting the ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir State, which is highly fragile by arsenal waste, in addition to causing loss of life and limb by implanted mines, the frequent occurrence in Tosmaidan?
KCSDS intends to organize a public debate, taking on board the ecologists the environmentalists experts in earth sciences on the move fraught with unforeseen consequences in near future.
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