SRINAGAR, July 30 -- The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has welcomed the strong message delivered by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the inauguration of Van Mahotsav 2025, where he emphasised that "development must be judicious; for every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted." The Chief Minister's remarks, made in the presence of senior officials and civil society members, highlighted the urgent need to balance development with ecological preservation and intergenerational responsibility.

EPG considers this message particularly timely as Srinagar faces increasing threats to its fragile environment. Among the most pressing concerns is the proposed flyover project connecting MA Link Road to Rajbagh, which threatens to cut through...