Srinagar, Oct. 13 -- Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for a practical and balanced approach to sustainable mountain development, stressing that environmental protection, economic growth and people's livelihoods must go hand-in-hand. Speaking after inaugurating the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, the chief minister said climate change, erratic snowfall, water scarcity, extreme rainfall and landslides were increasingly affecting Jammu and Kashmir, making sustainable development essential for its long-term survival. "We do not take care of our mountains and our environment as much as we should. We cannot stop global warming on our own, nor can we reverse it. The whole world will have to come together to address this challenge. But we can certainly take better care of our own environment," the chief minister said. The summit is being jointly organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC). It is being held under the J&K Agriculture Science Congress-2026 and is themed around sustainable Himalayan landscapes for inclusive Viksit Bharat and the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to changing weather patterns, Omar said snowfall had become increasingly erratic and delayed winter precipitation is contributing to water shortages during the spring months. "The prolonged dry spells were often followed by intense rainfall, cloudbursts and flooding, creating fresh challenges for communities and infrastructure," he said. Describing these developments as the new reality, the chief minister said the challenge was to determine how Jammu and Kashmir could continue to develop while adapting to growing environmental risks. "We have to ask ourselves: how do we sustain our livelihoods and how do we develop? Development is essential, but it must be sustainable," he said. The chief minister cautioned against viewing tourism as the sole cause of environmental degradation, while acknowledging the pressure that growing tourist numbers placed on popular destinations. He said J&K aspired to become the first Himalayan territory to have its own mountain policy and that his government was keen to take the initiative forward. However, he stressed that the policy must emerge from wider consultation and reflect the realities of the region rather than being based on idealistic assumptions. "Those recommendations need to be grounded in reality. We need to balance the need for sustainability with the need for existence and livelihoods," he said....