PCCF outlines challenges, efforts being made
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, July 29: While noting the historic and economic importance, Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary, today called for community participation in rangeland conservation in J&K.
Chowdhary was speaking during a workshop organized by the Department in association with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) Support Group of South Asia and NABARD. He emphasized that a meaningful roadmap for the conservation of the rangelands will be developed.
“The rangelands in J&K hold historic significance and economic value, and they are also home to a number of endangered species,” he said.
He noted that rangelands and grasslands have been seriously impacted by climate change, overgrazing, and other factors, stressing the need for community participation in their conservation.
“Community-based conservation of the rangelands is key, and in this regard, the Government can play a supportive role,” he said.
It is noteworthy that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). India supported this proposal and co-sponsored the UNGA Resolution on IYRP in 2022.
The Secretary also emphasized the need for developing a policy framework for the management and conservation of rangelands across J&K, which has over 4 percent of its total geographic area under rangelands.
“We have the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in place; however, there is a lack of awareness among the people. We will gather data for policy making, and I am confident that out of this workshop, we will be able to develop a meaningful roadmap,” he said.
The three-day workshop, titled ‘Rangeland Management for Sustainable Rural Development,’ was attended by a range of experts from J&K and other parts of the country. Several delegates from the United Nations also participated virtually.
The main objective of the workshop, officials said, is leveraging ongoing Government programs and schemes from different departments in various states for sustainable rangeland management.
Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government, Culture Department, J&K, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, also spoke on the occasion, outlining the challenges faced by the rangelands and the measures being taken to address them.
“The stake of the Forest Department in the management of rangelands is significant; J&K has over 4 lakh hectares of land under rangelands, and these areas are open for grazing,” he said.
He also highlighted issues of overgrazing and weed infestation affecting the rangelands but noted that while more needs to be done, the department has already taken several measures.
P. Vivekanandan from RISG South Asia also shared his views on the theme of the workshop, stressing that J&K could emerge as a role model for rangeland conservation.
The speakers stressed that a collaborative approach involving Government agencies, scientific institutions, local communities, and NGOs is essential for the successful implementation of strategies for rangeland conservation.
“About 30% of all agricultural carbon storage occurs in rangelands, which are a large carbon reservoir. J&K has rich biodiversity and extensive rangelands, particularly in the alpine and subalpine zones. In the UT, 4.32% of the total geographical area is rangeland,” officials said.
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