Green Infrastructure Through Ecologically Sustainable Mountain Trails

 

Green Infrastructure Through Ecologically Sustainable Mountain Trails

“Sustainable mountain trails proposed in the Union Budget present Jammu and Kashmir with a chance to align tourism with conservation. Done right, they can help protect green gold, limit forest fires and strengthen local economies.

Peerzada Mohsin Shafi

T

he Union Budget announcement on developing ecologically sustainable mountain trails has opened a timely opportunity for India’s hill regions, with special importance for Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal reflects a growing recognition that mountain development must move beyond short term tourism gains and towards long term ecological stability and community well-being. For Jammu and Kashmir, where mountains and forests shape livelihoods, water security and cultural identity, this initiative can become a turning point if implemented with care. Mountain trails are often seen simply as paths for trekkers, but when designed scientifically they function as climate resilient infrastructure. Ecologically sustainable trails follow natural contours instead of cutting across slopes. They use gentle gradients to reduce pressure on soil and vegetation. They integrate drainage features that guide rainwater away from walking surfaces so trails do not turn into seasonal streams. Construction relies on durable local materials such as stone and timber, with much work done manually to avoid disturbing surrounding habitats. Corridors remain narrow, wildlife movement is respected and visitors are guided along defined routes that limit damage to meadows and forests. This stands in sharp contrast to informal tracks that have emerged across many parts of Kashmir through repeated foot traffic, leading to widening paths, exposed roots, eroded slopes and increased sediment in nearby streams. Campsites spread outward, waste accumulates and sensitive grasslands lose their regenerative capacity. Sustainable trail design addresses these problems by concentrating movement on engineered paths so large areas remain untouched, water sources stay cleaner, slopes become more stable and visitor experience improves while ecological pressure declines.

Global experience shows this model works. The Appalachian Trail demonstrates how scientific alignment, volunteer participation and continuous maintenance can keep long trail networks functional with limited environmental impact. In India, protected landscapes such as Great Himalayan National Park show how regulated trekking can coexist with biodiversity conservation when routes, seasons and visitor numbers are carefully managed. The Budget proposal seeks to adapt these principles to Indian mountain regions at scale, including Jammu and Kashmir. For the Union Territory, benefits extend beyond tourism statistics. Well planned trails help stabilise vulnerable slopes as climate change brings intense rainfall and unpredictable weather. They protect springs and streams by managing surface runoff before it carries soil downhill and safeguard wildlife corridors by reducing random human intrusion into forests and high-altitude pastures. The economic dimension is equally important. Sustainable trails generate local employment through construction, maintenance, guiding, homestays and small food outlets. Unlike large resort projects, this model spreads income across villages and encourages young people to build careers close to home.

Forests deserve special focus. Jammu and Kashmir’s forests are often called green gold for their role in regulating climate, storing carbon and securing water systems. In recent years, frequent forest fires across the region have caused heavy losses of vegetation and wildlife and have also claimed human lives. A recent incident of fire in the Verinag Forest Range led to the death of a forest employee due to devastating forest fires, underlining how serious the threat has become. Many fires spread rapidly because of poor access, delayed detection and limited ground connectivity for firefighting teams. Ecologically sustainable trails can become part of the solution. Well-designed networks improve access inside forests so crews from the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department can reach remote patches faster with equipment and water. Today, many fire prone areas remain difficult to access on foot, which delays response and allows small flare ups to turn into major disasters. Trails act as ready corridors during emergencies and also support early detection. When local communities are involved in maintenance and guiding, there are more eyes on the forest every day. People working on trails often notice smoke or unusual activity early, which shortens response time and reduces damage. In some locations, properly aligned trails can also serve as strategic fire lines by breaking continuous undergrowth and leaf litter. While they do not stop fires on their own, they can slow the advance of flames and give firefighting teams precious time. Managed trails reduce random human movement inside forests. When visitors stick to designated paths and rest points, risks of accidental fires from campfires or discarded cigarettes decline. Clear signage and awareness boards promote responsible behaviour and respect for nature.

Community participation will be central to success. Trails endure when local residents feel ownership. Villagers possess deep knowledge of terrain, seasonal patterns and traditional routes. With training in trail building and visitor management, they become custodians of the landscape rather than passive beneficiaries. This strengthens stewardship and ensures long term care while aligning conservation with livelihoods, a balance Jammu and Kashmir urgently needs. Institutional coordination matters just as much. Agencies such as the Ministry of Tourism, along with forest and rural development departments, must work closely with the UT administration. Each proposed trail should begin with scientific assessments mapping slope stability, vegetation, wildlife presence and water flow. Only after this groundwork should alignments be finalised. Carrying capacity must be defined so visitor numbers remain within ecological limits. Waste systems, seasonal closures during sensitive periods and basic safety infrastructure should be built into design from the outset. Trails should connect with local transport, village amenities and emergency response systems. Simple measures such as rest shelters, information boards and trained first responders can greatly enhance safety. Digital mapping and basic visitor tracking can help authorities identify pressure points and plan maintenance proactively. When trails are integrated into wider regional planning, they become part of a resilient network rather than standalone attractions.

If carried out with care, the Budget commitment can become a national model for mountain development. It offers Jammu and Kashmir a chance to show that infrastructure does not have to come at the cost of ecology. Instead, it can strengthen climate resilience, preserve forests, reduce fire risks, protect biodiversity and create dignified employment. For Jammu and Kashmir, the opportunity is profound. Sustainable mountain trails can safeguard landscapes that define the region’s spirit while opening new avenues for its youth. They can stabilise slopes, secure water, support wildlife and help protect precious forest cover increasingly threatened by fires. Above all, they can present the Union Territory as a responsible destination for nature-based tourism. The real test now lies in translating policy intent into thoughtful execution, guided by science, community wisdom and a long-term vision for the mountains and forests of Jammu and Kashmir.