Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for expert consultations to address the rising risks of natural calamities like glacial lake bursts and cloudbursts in the Himalayan region, following a devastating incident in Kishtwar that resulted in significant casualties and missing persons. He highlighted the importance of regulating pilgrimages in these vulnerable areas due to changing weather patterns while acknowledging the emotional significance of these religious practices. Abdullah’s remarks underscore the urgent need for collaborative risk mitigation strategies to protect both lives and the fragile ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent in the region.