Srinagar, Feb 10: Resentment is brewing among local shopkeepers and nearby residents of Gulmarg as the ski resort, as per them, lacks proper solid waste management.
Ajaz Ahmad Lone, a shopkeeper at Gulmarg said garbage is being thrown open in the forest areas in some places. “This is a long pending issue. Bio-degradable and non-biodegradable solid waste should be separated. The garbage is thrown openly at some places which also invites dogs and filthy smell emanates out of it,” he said.
Lone also said that there are also no dust bins at the public places in Gulmarg due to which resentment is brewing among the tourists and local visitors. “There is also no waste management at the first phase of the Gondola. It takes weeks to clean the garbage and it gives a bad impression to the tourists,” he said.
Ajaz Ahmad, a tourist guide said even he has seen garbage sometimes burnt in the forest areas which he said could have serious consequences on the ecology. “This should be stopped and there should be a proper waste disposal management or the scientific one that can save the Gulmarg from environmental degradation,” he said.
Ishfaq Ahmad, another tourist guide, also complained of improper solid waste management saying this is giving a bad impression to the tourists. “The situation is very bad. Even sewage from some well-known hotels goes directly to water canals which should be stopped. This should not happen,” he said.
Ishfaq also said despite the ban on the use of single-use plastic and polythene, there is no enforcement on the same and the concerned agencies are doing the least to enforce the ban. “Even at the Affarwat Mountain polythene and plastic bottles are thrown open after use and there is no management of the same,” he said.
He also complained that the smoke generated by generators of hotels was also causing pollution. “The authorities should take cognizance keeping in view the environmental conditions at the tourist spot,” he said.
Regional Director, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board, Rafi Ahmad Bhat said they are trying to keep all the tourist spots waste-free. “We had issued a notice to CEO Gulmarg Development Authority. We were able to restart a waste management treatment plant. Our surveillance is there,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, however, said they have the best waste management system in place. “We have acquired the forest land for processing of waste material. This year has been good in terms of sanitation. We are trying to improve waste management and disposal in the future. We are playing a supportive role,” he said.
Incharge Municipal Committee Gulmarg, Rashid Hajam said “We are doing a door-to-door collection of garbage of all the hotels and restaurants. If anybody is found throwing garbage in the forest area, we take strict action.” He also said despite heavy snowfall they ensure proper collection and disposal of the waste.
