Plastic waste, unregulated stalls & ATVs threaten Daksum’s fragile forest zone

Anantnag, Aug 1: Plastic bottles, polythene bags and other waste are strewn around stalls operating in Daksum, a popular tourist spot within the forest area. The Kokernag Development Authority (KDA), which manages the site, says only 21 stalls have been officially permitted.Daksum, located beyond Kokernag’s botanical garden and below Sinthan Top—about 20-25 kilometres from main Kokernag town—falls under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Anantnag. The Forest Department has repeatedly urged KDA not to allow stalls, tents or shops in the reserve forest area, citing Section 26 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which prohibits such activities. On Friday, the Sub-Divisional Administration, led by SDM Kokernag Suheel Ahmad Lone, along with Revenue officials, KDA staff and MC Kokernag, conducted a cleanliness drive around the stalls, removing plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials that threaten the forest environment. Speaking to reporters, the SDM said the drive was launched following public complaints about increasing pollution in Daksum and Dandipora.“People lack civic sense. While tourists are welcome, eco-tourism requires proper waste management and disposal, which is currently not happening,” he said. SDM said that there is a need to educate locals and tourists on responsible disposal of waste. He said KDA is installing signboards to raise awareness and that the operation of stalls and tents must be regulated. “Twice, World Bank teams have visited Kokernag with the aim of developing it into an eco-tourism hub through a holistic and sustainable development plan, which has been submitted to the Directorate of Tourism,” he added. KDA Chief Executive Officer Abdul Rouf Rehman told Rising Kashmir that stall owners have been instructed to install dustbins and safeguard the forest area. “This is an eco-tourism site and people here depend on it for their livelihood. If these stalls are shut down, many will be forced to seek labour work elsewhere. We have given stall owners seven days to comply with eco-friendly practices,” he said.Rehman said there are currently about 21 temporary stalls, all permitted by KDA. “Whether it is a forest area or any other natural site, tourists will expect basic facilities like food points and toilets. These are temporary structures, but they must operate responsibly,” he said. Regarding ATV bikes, the CEO said owners have been told to follow the rules. “Closing them down entirely would be quick, but it affects livelihoods. We want to continue in an eco-friendly manner. If the Forest Department finds these operations in violation of their rules, we will shut them down,” he added. Last year, the DFO Anantnag had asked KDA to cancel permissions for tents and temporary stalls at Daksum, reiterating that such activities are not allowed in reserve forest areas.DFO Anantnag Mohd Ashraf Katoo said the permissions issued by KDA are for stalls and ATVs along the roadside, not inside the forest. He said the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) permits local people to operate tents under livelihood schemes while also ensuring cleanliness. “We are holding meetings with stakeholders to regulate these activities. KDA has been reminded that it is not authorised to permit stalls or ATVs within forest areas,” he said.