Srinagar, Aug 21 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday called for a balance between development and environmental protection, stressing that while people cannot be stopped from building homes, precious green spaces and land must be conserved as they cannot be restored once lost.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the “Waste to Wonder, Flower Garden” and Floriculture Mela, as per news agency JKNS, the Chief Minister said the initiative was aimed at promoting recycling, reuse and greater public awareness about plastic waste.
Omar urged people to avoid taking fresh plastic bags from shopkeepers every time they shop and instead reuse bags already available at home, saying the message of the garden was to encourage responsible reuse and prevent plastic waste from ending up in drains.
‘Waste to Wonder’ Could Become Tourism Attraction
The Chief Minister said he hoped people would visit and enjoy the new garden, while suggesting that the Department of Floriculture explore the possibility of developing a similar waste-themed garden in Jammu and Kashmir after studying the model in Chandigarh.
He also highlighted the tourism potential of such innovative public spaces, saying the administration should continue adding new attractions to existing gardens.
Chrysanthemum Garden to Be Expanded Further
Referring to the Chrysanthemum Garden, Omar said its second season would benefit from lessons learnt during the previous year.
He recalled that the garden had started on a small scale and had gradually expanded with the addition of water channels, new levels and other features.
He said similar improvements would continue to be made to the garden in the coming years.
‘Rahul Gandhi Is Doing What Opposition Leader Is Supposed to Do’
Asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s continued protests and role as Leader of Opposition, Omar defended his position, saying questioning and holding the government accountable was a fundamental responsibility of the Opposition.
“If the Opposition Leader does not do the opposition, then what is the use of it?” Omar said, adding that Rahul Gandhi was doing what the country expected from an Opposition leader.
He said Opposition leaders should not be judged by different standards and expressed hope that Gandhi would continue raising questions and holding the government accountable.
Omar Urges Politicians to Stay Away From Religious Issues
On remarks by the J&K Leader of Opposition concerning religion in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said politicians should avoid commenting excessively on religious matters and leave such issues to religious leaders.
He cautioned against statements that could affect people’s emotions, saying political leaders should focus on political issues rather than religious debates.
“Leave religious issues to the religious leaders. Keep your issues to the politicians,” Omar said.
‘Once Land Is Gone, We Cannot Bring It Back’
Responding to a question about shrinking green spaces in Kashmir, the Chief Minister acknowledged the pressure created by development and construction but stressed the need for responsible land use.
“We cannot tell people not to build houses. But we tell people to use as little land as possible,” he said.
Omar said development and environmental conservation had to move together, noting that while electricity and water could be generated through various means, lost land could not be brought back.
“We need a balanced development. People should build their houses, but we should also save our green spaces as much as possible,” he said.
On Khawajin Situation, Omar Seeks Early Investigation
Asked about the situation in Khawajin, the Chief Minister termed it a sad matter and said he hoped the administration, particularly the law-and-order authorities, would act at the earliest.
He stressed the need for completing the investigation quickly and taking appropriate action based on its findings. (JKNS)
