SRINAGAR, Aug. 16 -- CPI(M) leader and Chairman of the Committee on Environment, MY Tarigami, has expressed grave concern over the devastating cloudburst at Chisoti in Padder, Kishtwar, which claimed several lives, left many missing, and caused widespread destruction.

Describing the tragedy as a stark reminder of the Himalayan region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, Tarigami said it highlighted the existential threat posed by climate change to Jammu and Kashmir's fragile ecosystem. He questioned whether the environment department or allied agencies had ever carried out comprehensive surveys to safeguard pilgrimage routes and shrine areas frequented by thousands of devotees each year.

While praising the volunteers and local com...