Says behaviour of some MLAs ‘utterly disappointing’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 9: BJP legislator from Hiranagar Assembly segment, Advocate Vijay Kumar Sharma, today warned that continued neglect of environmental degradation will have serious consequences for future generations.
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Participating in the discussion on the Budget Address in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sharma said he had raised the issue of large-scale illegal felling of trees by the wood mafia in the previous Budget Session, but no serious action was taken.
He alleged that hundreds of truckloads of timber are being cut daily in the Jammu region and smuggled to Punjab with the alleged involvement of some Government officials.
“But neither the matter is being taken seriously by anyone in the administration nor the UT’s budget document makes any mention about the environmental protection or the issue of corruption by the Government officials,” Sharma said.
He said legislators’ concerns are often ignored by the bureaucracy, which is highly discouraging.
He warned that unchecked environmental degradation could lead to disasters similar to those witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region, during August and September last year.
Referring to climate change, he stressed the need for collective efforts to protect the environment, warning that continued neglect would adversely affect the health and immunity of future generations.
The BJP MLA also criticised the conduct of some legislators in the Assembly, terming it utterly disappointing, and said constructive discussions are often disrupted.
He said Jammu and Kashmir holds a special place in the country and people across India closely watch the Assembly proceedings, expecting responsible behaviour from elected representatives.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather acknowledged the concern raised by Sharma and said members should maintain dignity and decorum in the House.
Meanwhile, Sharma appealed to the National Conference leadership to show generosity in embracing the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and facilitate their return to the Valley.
He said the Union Government has taken several steps for their rehabilitation, including a central rehabilitation policy and measures for settlement and employment, and urged local leadership to support the community’s return with openness and sensitivity.
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