Jammu and Kashmir is endowed with a rich biological and ecological heritage, dominated by lush green forests that shelter complex and fragile ecosystems. The region is not only a haven for diverse wildlife but also a landscape of remarkable natural beauty. However, from 1990 onwards, this beauty gradually faded due to human greed and the exploitation of resources. The valley experiences four distinct and timely seasons, each arriving with its own rhythm and preparations. Every inhabitant adapted to the seasons, planning their activities accordingly, and the same seasonal harmony applied to the wildlife as well.

The northern parts of the valley witnessed extensive deforestation and habitat degradation driven by human greed. While forest loss had already begun before this period, the scale during these years was unprecedented and, in many cases, irreversible. However, over the past decades, the whole scenario has changed drastically, and people have become careless, reflecting insignificant concern for these drastic changes. During our childhood, our elders treated nature differently, using only as much as was required. But over time, with so-called modernization, people began exploiting resources significantly, reaching a point of no return. Additionally, this is not only true for the valley but applies across the world on a much larger scale.

While considering these changes, the valley has become more prone to disasters and other climate-induced events like floods, droughts, etc. As depicted in the figure below, it is evident that the valley previously had a higher green cover (shown in green) along with substantial snow cover (shown in white). The northern parts of the valley, such as Baramulla and Kupwara, which were once densely forested, have seen a significant reduction in green cover over the past few decades.

Source: Google Earth Pro

It was also observed that with a significant decline in green cover, the valley witnessed a corresponding decline in glaciers, as well as contamination of freshwater bodies due to anthropogenic activities. The valley was once home to thousands of freshwater rivulets, rivers, and springs, but due to our collective pollution and exploitation, these resources have been polluted and diminished over time. There are many published documents available, and in Recent Glacier Changes in the Kashmir Alpine Himalayas, India (2016), it was observed that the glaciers had shrunk by 17%, and their mass was reduced to a very concerning level due to human-induced climate change.  Since we do not have much contribution, as there are no industrial estates within the valley, the climate change we experience is a global phenomenon and our geographic location makes us prone to its deadly impacts. The Earth's environment is increasingly fragile due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors that make ecosystems and human systems more susceptible to disasters.

Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urban sprawl degrade natural buffers against disasters, increasing vulnerability. The valley has also witnessed intensified flash floods, cloudbursts, water scarcity, and contamination, which have added to the miseries of common people and caused financial losses over the years. In the recent floods of August 2025, the valley lost more than 50 lives in both Jammu and Kashmir provinces, while the same floods affected the whole of Pakistan, claiming over 400 lives. The financial loss still cannot be comprehended.

While considering all the devastation and destruction, it is necessary and imperative to tackle and adopt policies that will help us build a resilient future, where events may remain the same but financial and human losses will be reduced, and their severity will be manageable in the event of disasters. The valley has a number of green warriors who are working day and night and studying the subject in detail, but due to unnecessary priorities, these green warriors are not able to make an impact, as their observations are not being implemented on the ground.

The silent green guardian of the northern zone of Kashmir, I can proudly say, is Javeed Rahim Malik, who is at the forefront of managing these highly elevated and disaster-prone areas through extensive afforestation and reforestation initiatives, along with soil protection measures in the northern region of Kashmir.

I noticed him many times when I was in Kashmir. He has distributed thousands of Himalayan Cedar (Deodar) and Himalayan Blue Pine saplings to individuals and has planted more than 40,000 saplings in less than three years in a personal capacity apart from the official domain. He often says, “It is not just a plant but a guarantor of our survival; planting it is like building strong roots for our future generations.” I also observed, and it is no secret to anyone, that he has raised the green cover by strictly enforcing a stop to deforestation and illegal logging.

Logging for short-term gains has been significantly reduced in the area, where he works day and night to minimize it. The area under his supervision has turned lush green, where human-wildlife conflicts have also decreased and the severity has been reduced. The northern region is highly diverse and home to rare species like Kashmiri Stag, Snow Leopard, Brown Bear and many others, which are now increasing as their habitats are being improved, with efforts made to maintain these fragile and sensitive ecosystems with minimal disturbance and human intervention.

The forest department has now implemented very strict policies, which is encouraging to see, as they are the uniformed protectors safeguarding our future and working to improve it. It is necessary that we have green warriors like Malik at every level, from higher to lower ranks on the ground. To improve our forests and envision a sustainable future, these forests, which act as carbon sinks and support our food security, along with providing other essential ecosystem services, must be protected and nurtured.

The forest department, in coordination with panchayats, shall announce campaigns like the One Valley-One Billion Tree initiative, where each year, in collaboration with local communities, the department selects areas in every district and village (Rural/Urban) such as slopes, riverbanks, and degraded ecosystems, to restore and make them resilient, thereby regulating and reviving essential ecosystem services.  By planting and restoring our forests, we not only contribute to carbon reduction targets but also strengthen wildlife habitats, support balanced seasonal patterns, and safeguard vital ecosystem functions, laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come. Green Guardians like Javeed Rahim Malik, along with countless other green warriors, lead these efforts tirelessly, and it is our responsibility to recognize, support, and appreciate every individual working to protect and restore our environment. 

Dear WildHub members, please share this on your socials to honor our green guardians and let everyone appreciate and recognize their incredible efforts and work.