Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 5: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) held a special meeting in Srinagar today to discuss pressing public issues and urged the government to take immediate corrective action to ease the problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
A spokesperson said the group expressed serious concern over the “overburdened” healthcare system in Srinagar, which continues to operate beyond capacity despite the establishment of new medical colleges. The absence of adequate specialized health facilities at the district level forces people to travel to the capital for treatment. “It is imperative to bridge the gaps in district-level healthcare and enforce the ban on private practice by doctors in Government medical institutions, including SKIMS,” the spokesperson said.
The group also stressed the urgent need for dedicated cancer hospitals in both Srinagar and Jammu due to the rising incidence of cancer cases.
On land use, the GCC criticized the lack of a clear policy and enforcement to prevent the rampant conversion of agricultural land for construction. “Agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture are the highest contributors to J&K’s GDP and employment after the services sector. These must be protected,” the spokesperson said. The group recommended promoting vertical farming, greenhouses for winter cultivation, and indoor farming of mushrooms and select vegetables and fruits.
Raising concerns over rising unemployment, the GCC said that skilling and startup policies in the region are inadequate. “Unlike other states, J&K lacks major initiatives in training youth in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” the spokesperson noted.
The group also highlighted growing environmental degradation, pointing to rivers and lakes turning into dumping grounds. “There is a dire need for public awareness and Government-backed solid waste management policies based on the four Rs-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover,” the spokesperson said.
While welcoming the proposed extension of the railway line to Kupwara and from Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch, the GCC called for careful review of any new railway projects that may adversely affect agricultural land and human settlements in the Valley.
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