Budgam: Residents of several villages in central Kashmir’s Khansahib area have appealed to the Forest Department in Budgam to immediately halt commercial activities on traditional grazing lands at Doodhpathri, citing concerns over environmental degradation and the impact on their livestock.
Speaking to news agency JKNS, a group of residents said, “These behaks have been our grazing grounds for centuries. Our cattle and sheep rely on these meadows, but over the past few years, commercial and tourism-related activities have started threatening their natural existence.”
They urged the administration to intervene and stop the ongoing activities that they claim are destroying the fragile ecosystem. “We are not against tourism, but there must be a balance. There should be a designated track for ponies, ATVs, and no paragliding on these meadows. Otherwise, the green cover will vanish,” said one of the concerned locals.
The villagers also pointed out that the presence of tourists and vehicles has led to an increase in non-biodegradable waste, polluting the pristine landscape of Doodhpathri. “We appeal to the authorities to take immediate steps before these pastures are lost forever,” another local added.
The locals have called for urgent conservation efforts to protect the traditional grazing routes and ensure the sustainability of these meadows for future generations. (JKNS)
