Ganderbal, Nov 25: The scenic Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, a lifeline for tourists and locals, has been defaced by heaps of garbage strewn across various locations, including sub-district Kangan, Sonamarg, Margund, Mamer, Ganiwan Sumbal, Gund Kulan, and Gagangeer. The unchecked accumulation of waste has not only tarnished the natural beauty of the region but also posed significant challenges for residents and pedestrians, including attracting stray dogs.
Local residents report that the Rural Development Department had previously implemented a robust waste management system, deploying vehicles worth lakhs of rupees in every block to collect garbage from homes and hotels. This initiative, combined with the allocation of land for waste disposal and a nominal monthly collection fee, successfully kept the area clean for about a year. However, in Tehsil Gund, these vehicles abruptly disappeared, leaving waste management in disarray.
In Sonamarg, a prime tourist destination, garbage is left unattended on roads and public spaces. The Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), despite being responsible for maintaining the area, has taken no concrete steps to address the issue, further aggravating the problem.
To address waste disposal, the department had fenced off government land in Rezan Gund at a significant expense, intending to maintain a clean environment. However, with garbage collection vehicles unavailable for the past six months, residents have been left with no choice but to dump household waste in open areas and along roadsides. This has created an unpleasant experience for tourists who frequent the highway, expecting breathtaking views but instead encountering piles of trash.
Local residents have urged the government to take immediate action to restore garbage collection services in Kangan and its surrounding areas. They have appealed for the reinstatement of vehicles to remove waste from homes and hotels, ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural beauty and cleanliness.
