Adventure in Kashmir forests causing massive damage to environment, says EPG

October 10, 2025 by News Desk

The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has expressed grave concern over illegal “overlanding” activities taking place in several forest and meadow regions of Jammu Kashmir, including Haijan, Branwar, Mechkhanian, and Ashrat.

The group has called on the government to immediately curb the practice, warning that continued vehicular intrusion in these fragile ecosystems could cause irreversible environmental damage.

In a statement, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said that despite being fully aware of the illegality of such activities, participants continue to engage in them “with impunity.”

“This is an unlawful activity, and the participants brazenly justify it by citing examples from countries like Australia and South Africa,” Bakshi said. “But our laws are our own — and such comparisons hold no ground.”

Bakshi said that video evidence shows forest trails being destroyed and meadows degraded by the movement of heavy vehicles. “Our meadows, once pristine, are now facing devastation. The areas of Haijan, Branwar, and Mechkhanian are already suffering. If not stopped immediately, the damage will be beyond repair,” he cautioned.

EPG cited reports indicating that around 3.6 lakh kanals of forest land have already been encroached upon or misused for unregulated activities, including vehicular movement. The group also recalled the environmental destruction caused by a small hydropower project in Branwar about 15 years ago.

Advising young participants to desist from overlanding, Bakshi said, “One youth compared this to the degradation of Dal Lake, and while the comparison is apt, it’s no justification. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Referring to the 2000s, when vehicles were allowed to drive up to Thajwas Glacier in Sonamarg, Bakshi noted that the EPG’s intervention led to a High Court ban that remains in force. “If required, we’ll seek similar judicial action again,” he warned.

He stressed that forests are the natural habitat of wildlife and must remain undisturbed. “Any interference with their ecosystem is not just illegal, it’s immoral,” he said.

Rejecting the claim that open trails justify vehicle use, Bakshi said, “There’s a difference between legitimate and illegitimate activity. The absence of gates or guards doesn’t make it lawful.”

Urging the youth to act responsibly, Bakshi added, “Reckless behaviour like this increases man-animal conflict and destroys shared habitats. We must protect these lands before they are lost forever.”

He called on the Forest Department and district administrations to take immediate steps, warning that if the government fails to act, EPG will approach the High Court to seek a judicial ban and punitive measures. “The time to act is now, before these meadows and forests are gone,” Bakshi said.