Arif Shafi Wani

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Articles

Tunnel to Prosperity

Jan 12, 2025 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

Nestled amidst mountains, famous tourist resort Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is all set to get all-weather road connectivity. There is a festive atmosphere in Kashmir as Sonamarg, meadow of gold, will make its mark on Kashmir’s winter tourism map. Sonamarg remained cut-off from the rest of the valley due to heavy snowfall and avalanches from Gagangir stretch in winters. However, after the construction of the Z-Morh Tunnel, the resort will remain open even in winter.
Sustainable Development, CM is right

Jan 5, 2025 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

Being an eco-fragile region, Jammu and Kashmir needs sustainable development to protect its water bodies, forests, mountains and glaciers. However, haphazard construction activities including road projects in fragile areas are taking a heavy toll on the environment. There has been a massive outcry over the proposal to allocate 5000 kanals of productive land spreading eight villages in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district for construction of the National Institute of Technology (NIT).
Pangs of snowfall in Kashmir

Dec 29, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

A heavy spell of snow brought an end to prolonged dry spell in plains of Kashmir. The sight of each flake of snow dancing down from the sky brought smiles to people, however their joy was short-lived! Snowfall brought life to a standstill in Kashmir as essential services were disrupted. Amid snowfall, there was a lukewarm response from authorities to clear roads and footpaths. With snow-covered roads, commuters faced a tough time navigating slippery roads.
Ensure J&K’s environmental sustainability

Dec 8, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

It was good to see a cabinet minister, two legislators of a ruling party, and top-rung tourism stakeholders expressing concern over environmental degradation in Jammu and Kashmir. After a brainstorming session, there was a unanimous call for collective efforts to safeguard our natural resources. All speakers during the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeen Tourist Traders Association underscored the need for sustainable tourism to protect J&K’s eco-fragile environment from further degradation.
From wetlands to wastelands!

Dec 1, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

There has been massive outcry from nature lovers against the deteriorating condition of wetlands in Kashmir. Due to official apathy and public greed, wetlands are bearing the brunt of encroachments, pollution and siltation. We have to understand that wetlands are not just a winter refuge of migratory birds. Wetlands are an important part of our eco-system. Considered as nature’s kidneys, wetlands filter polluted water and importantly act as a buffer for flood waters.
Let’s protect habitat of wild animals

Nov 24, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

Amid rising threats to wild animals in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a need for scientific measures to ensure protection of their habitat. Unabated human activities and haphazard constructions in forests and upper reaches of J&K are forcing wildlife animals to foray into human habitations for food. This leads to frequent incidents of human-wildlife conflicts. There is collateral damage on both sides. We are losing precious human lives to leopard and bear attacks.
Connecting Kashmiri children with cultural roots

Nov 18, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

As a kid Ambreen Rasool loved reading books and was fascinated by rich Kashmiri culture. Growing up, writing and love for promoting Kashmiri culture became a passion for her. For this, she braved many challenges, turned from a lawyer into an author to connect Kashmiri children with their cultural roots. Ambreen is the author of ‘The Adventures of Iya and Zoey’, a story book. She is also the owner of exclusive children’s publishing house—The Quillers’ Club.
Manasbal calling

Nov 17, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

Considered to be Kashmir’s deepest lake, Manasbal is gasping for breath due to an unabated influx of pollution and silt. Surrounded by mountains, Manasbal till a few decades ago possessed crystal clear waters. Heavy influx of sewage and silt from quarries gradually affected its water quality and flora and fauna. Though quarries were closed years ago, but not before dealing a death blow to the lake. Fed by springs, Manasbal Lake is surrounded by human settlements.
Omar’s environmental challenges

Nov 10, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

When Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting on winter preparedness recently, he expressed his concern about prolonged dry spell and depleting water levels in water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir. Besides heavy political baggage, Omar inherits a plethora of challenges confronting the eco-fragile environment of J&K. In his first stint as Chief Minister, Omar had to deal with the horrific impact of climate change after devastating floods hit Kashmir in September, 2014.
Markhor: Preserve world’s largest goat in J&K

Nov 3, 2024 | greaterkashmir.com | Arif Shafi Wani

Known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns, Markhor, the largest wild goat in world, is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir. The highly endangered Markhor has a limited geographical distribution in the moist to semi-arid mountain tracts of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. In J&K, Markhor’s population is found in Shopian, Banihal pass to Shamsbari area of the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch.