Bilal Bhat | Editor-in-Chief, Awami Reporter
Srinagar 11 July 2026: For the past five years, Awami Reporter has consistently warned that the fragile ecology of Pahalgam—the traditional base camp of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra—is under increasing pressure from unplanned development, alleged illegal commercial constructions, shrinking forest cover, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, mounting tourism pressure and growing stress on the Lidder River ecosystem.
This year’s Yatra has once again brought the environmental debate into sharp focus.
Within days of the commencement of the pilgrimage, the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the holy Amarnath Cave reportedly diminished substantially following unusually warm weather conditions. While the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has clarified that the Yatra continues uninterrupted and that the formation of the ice Shivling is a natural phenomenon influenced by weather, climate experts have pointed to a combination of reduced snowfall, rising temperatures and changing climatic patterns across the Kashmir Himalayas as major contributing factors.
For Awami Reporter, this development reinforces concerns that have been repeatedly raised over the past five years regarding the long-term ecological sustainability of the Amarnath pilgrimage corridor.
Through extensive field reporting, RTI-based investigations and documentary evidence, Awami Reporter has questioned whether rapid commercial expansion in and around Pahalgam is taking place in accordance with environmental safeguards and planning regulations. The publication has repeatedly highlighted concerns relating to alleged unauthorized commercial constructions, loss of tree cover, pressure on forest land, construction close to water bodies, degradation of the Lidder River, increasing waste generation and the cumulative ecological impact of intensive tourism.
Scientists have consistently warned that the Himalayas are among the fastest-warming mountain systems in the world. Kashmir has witnessed declining winter snowfall, erratic rainfall, warmer winters and increasing water stress in recent years. Numerous natural springs across the Valley have either dried up or experienced a significant reduction in discharge, affecting drinking water, agriculture and local ecosystems. Researchers have emphasized that while global climate change is a principal driver, local environmental degradation can further increase the vulnerability of fragile mountain landscapes.
Professor Samiullah Bhat of the University of Kashmir had earlier cautioned that unchecked tourism and unplanned urban expansion were steadily converting Kashmir’s mountains into “concrete jungles,” stressing that ecological carrying capacity must guide development.
According to Awami Reporter, repeated representations highlighting these concerns were submitted over the past five years to constitutional authorities, senior civil administrators, environmental agencies and other public institutions. The publication states that it sought timely intervention to prevent irreversible ecological damage in the Pahalgam region and to ensure that development complied with environmental and planning laws.
The publication further states that its investigative reporting has, at times, resulted in threats, legal disputes and other forms of pressure. These assertions have not been adjudicated by a court.
Awami Reporter also states that it approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding allegations of irregularities connected with construction activity. According to the publication, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohd. Saleem (JKPS), heading the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s South Kashmir unit, conveyed that the Bureau acts on specific, evidence-based complaints and encouraged the submission of documentary evidence for examination in accordance with law. The publication says it is compiling additional material and records for submission before the competent authorities.
Rajat Kulshreshtha, National General Secretary of the National Human Rights Council of India (NHRCOI), expressed serious concern over the ecological future of the pilgrimage.
“The protection of the Amarnath pilgrimage is inseparable from the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Environmental laws must be implemented without fear or favour. Wherever violations are established, the law must take its course. Development cannot come at the cost of forests, rivers and ecologically sensitive landscapes that sustain one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages.”
Muhammad Afzal, National Convenor of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), said that environmental conservation transcends religious identities.
“The Amarnath Yatra is a shared national responsibility. Protecting forests, rivers and the environment of Pahalgam is not merely an administrative obligation but a moral duty towards future generations. Every citizen, irrespective of faith, should support measures that preserve the ecological integrity of this sacred region.”
Iqbal Tiagi said that the issue should be viewed through the lens of environmental protection and constitutional responsibility.
“Environmental degradation ultimately affects everyone. Sustainable development, strict adherence to environmental laws and accountability in planning are essential to preserving both nature and places of religious significance.”
Rakesh Yadav, an RSS member, urged all stakeholders to place ecological conservation above commercial interests.
“The Himalayas are not an unlimited resource. If environmental safeguards are ignored, the consequences will extend far beyond one pilgrimage. Protecting nature is the responsibility of governments, institutions and society alike.”
Environmental experts have repeatedly emphasized that no single event can be attributed to one factor alone. However, they agree that climate change, rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, ecological degradation and increasing human pressure collectively warrant sustained scientific monitoring and responsible governance.
The rapid shrinking of the naturally formed ice Shivling this year should therefore not be viewed only as an isolated climatic occurrence. It also underscores the urgent need for independent scientific studies, transparent enforcement of environmental regulations and evidence-based policymaking to safeguard the ecology of Pahalgam.
For five years, Awami Reporter has maintained that environmental conservation and the sanctity of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra are inseparable. The publication reiterates its call for a comprehensive ecological audit of the Pahalgam region, strict enforcement against proven environmental violations, restoration of degraded landscapes and protection of the Himalayan ecosystem so that future generations can continue to undertake the sacred pilgrimage in its natural surroundings.
