Baramulla, Jan 31: The solid waste management system at world-famous ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir remains dysfunctional with residents expressing serious concern over dumping and burning of waste in forest areas.
The locals revealed that the most cherished tourist place and an eco-fragile zone struggles with solid waste mismanagement, with hotel and restaurant waste, plastic bottles and polythene dumped directly into surrounding forests.
“Years ago, Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) invested crores of rupees on a solid waste disposal unit, but the system remains non-functional,” residents said.
They said due to lack of disposal mechanism garbage is dumped in woods, endangering wildlife and fragile ecosystem that makes Gulmarg a sought-after destination for tourists.
Locals said that while Gulmarg’s growing popularity as a ski resort and summer retreat has brought economic prosperity, it has also led to a significant increase in waste generation.
“Tourists and businesses generate large quantities of garbage, much of which is left on trekking trails, ski slopes and picnic spots. Without a proper disposal system, the waste is either burned in open spaces or dumped into forest areas causing pollution and environmental degradation,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local shopkeeper.
Ajaz Ahmad Lone, another shopkeeper in Gulmarg expressed serious concerns about the growing pollution and mismanagement.“Tourists come here for fresh air and natural beauty, but if the garbage problem persists, we will lose what makes Gulmarg special. People will stop coming,” he said.
On the other hand, the administration has proposed a waste treatment plant at Kaevnar, seven km from Gulmarg, but delays, land acquisition hurdles have stalled its progress.
Nadeem Qadri, a Kashmir-based environmental lawyer, said GDA’s failure to implement Solid Waste Management Rules-2016 is not just negligence but a direct violation of environmental laws.
“Immediate corrective action is essential to prevent further ecological damage,” he told Rising Kashmir.
Locals who reside nearby believe that sustainable tourism practices are the only way forward.
“There must be strict regulations on littering, designated waste disposal sites and awareness campaigns to educate visitors,” said Jameel Ahmad, a local tour guide.
Jameel sought the intervention of the local administration and MLA Gulmarg to address the ongoing environmental crisis at the green tourist destination. “The government should take this issue seriously otherwise it will lead to a disaster in the future,” he said.
Tariq Hussain Naik, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GDA said the solid waste treatment plant is non-functional. “We have taken up the issue with Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to send us vehicles and shift this solid waste to a location with the necessary machinery,” he said.
