Budgam, july 03: The serene hill station of Doodhpathri in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has fallen victim to the inconsiderate behavior of visitors who continue to disregard the district administration’s ban on littering in public places and tourist spots. Despite the installation of dustbins by the government, food waste is being carelessly thrown around, tarnishing the natural beauty of the area.
Nargis Suraya, Chief Executive Officer of the Doodhpathri Development Authority, acknowledged the existence of dustbins installed at various locations throughout Doodhpathri. However, she expressed concern about visitors’ disregard for these provisions. “Despite being informed about the availability of dustbins, a significant number of visitors fail to utilize them,” she lamented. Suraya further revealed that daily cleaning drives are undertaken by their dedicated staff, and additional trash cans are slated to be installed in the area.
Suraya called upon the public to conscientiously use the provided dustbins, emphasizing that the district administration in Budgam has already banned the act of littering in public places and tourist destinations. The authorities are taking measures to ensure cleanliness and urged visitors to cooperate in maintaining the natural splendor of Doodhpathri.
Bisma Aijaz, a concerned local visitor from Budgam, expressed her disappointment, stating, “It is the responsibility of every person visiting Doodhpathri to dispose of their food waste in the designated dustbins provided by the government. The rampant dumping of garbage not only harms the environment but also poses risks to human health.”
Bisma questioned the lack of adherence to the ban on garbage disposal in public places and called upon the Budgam district administration to take immediate action against those visitors who continue to litter this popular tourist destination. She emphasized that the continued accumulation of waste could result in air pollution, affecting the well-being of those who visit Doodhpathri for picnics and trekking activities, as well as compromising the scenic allure of the region.
Javid Ahmad, another visitor, highlighted the presence of food waste generated from items like chips, juice, and ice cream strewn across Doodhpathri. He attributed the extensive influx of local visitors to the abundance of litter in the area, remarking, “If people refrain from disposing of garbage at various locations within Doodhpathri, this picturesque tourist destination can regain its pristine beauty.”
Ahmad also urged the Doodhpathri Development Authority to monitor areas where visitors consume food items and take necessary steps to address the issue. He stressed the significance of maintaining a clean environment, particularly in the tourism industry, which serves as a vital source of livelihood for thousands of individuals in the Kashmir valley. Ahmad believed that by keeping Doodhpathri free from garbage, the region would become more visually appealing and attract tourists from various Indian states and abroad.
As Doodhpathri strives to reclaim its allure as a prime tourist attraction, it is essential for visitors to respect the environment and dispose of their waste responsibly. The success of such efforts will not only enhance the scenic beauty of the region but also contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Kashmir valley.
