India, Aug. 30 -- As glaciers across the Himalayan region continue to show signs of retreat, concerns are mounting over the unchecked expansion of concrete structures in some of Kashmir's most ecologically fragile areas. Pahalgam, one of the Valley's most celebrated tourist destinations, is increasingly at the centre of controversies involving large-scale construction along riverbanks, flood channels, state land and areas adjoining forest and wildlife zones. What was once celebrated as a pristine mountain paradise is now witnessing an increasingly aggressive race for concrete. Locals and environmental observers allege that hotels and other commercial structures are coming up in sensitive locations where construction should be subjected to...