by Sajid Raina
SRINAGAR: The border areas of northern Kashmir have witnessed a significant increase in tourist influx following the cessation of hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021 due to the reaffirmation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. This surge has now brought about serious environmental challenges that negatively impact the region’s rich biodiversity, primarily due to the indiscriminate disposal of waste by tourists. Previously, the area was relatively waste-free
#gurezvalley *
Introduce laws and regulations that restrict the use, sale, and distribution of plastic products in Gurez Valley.
**Infrastructure Development**: Improve waste management systems to ensure proper collection, segregation, and recycling of waste.@OfficeOfLGJandK pic.twitter.com/xJUyAnvrYJ— Ajaz Dar ( اعجاز ڈار )🖊️Dard-Shin (@Ajazdar964) July 12, 2024
Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri, situated along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, were once hotspots for cross-border shelling between the armies of the two countries.
Residents admit these areas have now transformed into popular tourist destinations. However, they are also experiencing substantial waste disposal issues, as tourists leave significant amounts of litter in open spaces.
The Keran village is located about 50 km from Kupwara and some 117 km from the capital Srinagar stands out as a popular tourist destination where the surge in visitors has brought substantial environmental challenges.
The Kishanganga River, known as the Neelum River on the other side of the LoC, flows northward through the Tulail and Gurez Valleys of Kashmir before entering Muzaffarabad.
This river has become a victim of garbage at several spots along the Line of Control (LoC) on both sides. Tourists from Muzaffarabad and Kashmir are directly dumping solid waste into the river, a problem evident at Keran.
“Even the Kishanganga is completely littered on both sides, as people from both sides directly or indirectly throw garbage into it, thus affecting the environment,” a group of visitors from Jammu said.
Residents said that tourists have been thoughtlessly discarding their waste along the Kishanganga riverbanks, resulting in a disheartening sight in the valley.
They believe that the Tourism Department and respective administrations must develop measures for waste disposal.
“It’s regrettable that tourists have independently selected various dumping sites. They should either responsibly carry their waste upon departure or notify us about it, enabling us to establish proper disposal zones,” said Sameer Ahmad, a young homestay owner.
Numerous tourists have pointed out the lack of basic amenities, particularly the conspicuous absence of dustbins.
They suggest that either proper dustbins should be set up for visitors’ convenience or prominent warning signs should be installed to discourage any form of waste disposal.
“While I’ve observed several conscientious visitors who carry their waste back with them, it’s disheartening to witness many others thoughtlessly discarding litter, including used plastic water bottles,” said Rabiya Bashir, a female visitor from South Kashmir.
“Numerous young people arrive with tents, arrange campfires, host parties, and unfortunately leave behind a trail of bottles and food waste,” noted Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Dawar Gurez. “The absence of an effective solid waste management system has posed a serious threat of pollution to most tourist zones. Indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste occurs haphazardly, with discarded materials making their way to villages and eventually into water bodies.”
“I came here to revel in the beauty of Gurez’s hills, but what truly troubles me are the piles of trash scattered around. It’s disheartening. People need to recognize their responsibility towards preserving nature,” said Rakash, a visitor from Delhi.
Describing a similar situation in the Bangus and Uri areas, Rakash Sharmai, a tourist from Delhi, expressed her dismay at the widespread practice of discarding solid plastic waste in open spaces.
Given the large tourist influx District Administration, Bandipora launched a dedicated cleanliness campaign and constituted teams to monitor cleanliness campaigns and to enforce cleanliness standards effectively.
As per the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shakeel ul Rehman, different teams of officials from different departments have been constituted to ensure the implementation of the prohibition on entry, sale, and carrying of polythene bags in sub-division Gurez.
The teams shall monitor overall cleanliness,/violation in their respective jurisdiction under the supervision of the Tehsildar concerned, reads an order.
Pertinent to mention that, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora issued an order on May 28, 2024, prohibiting the entry, sale and carrying of Polythene bags in Sub Division Gurez. He said, that the move is aimed to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.
He also said that the surge in tourist influx to Gurez Valley makes it even more critical to maintain our valley’s cleanliness.
In his message, the DC urged all residents and visitors to not litter and join this noble endeavour to make Gurez Valley a pristine and sustainable destination and cooperate with the administration in preserving the pristine beauty of Gurez.
In another order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez, the administration has imposed a ban on the installation of temporary tents by tourists and visitors for overnight stays in the area, which was earlier permitted. This measure is part of efforts to manage the environmental impact of increased tourism and to preserve the natural habitat of Gurez Valley.
An official said that the District administration has taken several measures to ensure that no ecological harm touches Gurez.
“Teams from the Rural Development Department are actively engaged in collecting waste from permitted tenting sites, homestays and other localities in the scenic Gurez Valley to ensure environmental sustainability and cleanliness in the region amidst growing tourist activities,” an official said.
Official data indicates that 4.30 lakh tourists, both local and non-local, visited these destinations last year.
Sajad Hussain, a local tourist guide from Gurez, notes increased tourism engagement year-round, attributing it to the efforts of the army, local populace, and the government. He suggests establishing a separate development authority for Gurez to enhance infrastructure.
Abdul Hameed Lone, another Gurez resident, remarks on the surge in tourist activity, noting improved border tensions.
He calls for intensified government efforts to transform border areas into full tourism hubs while also raising concerns about the ongoing solid waste crisis in the region. He suggests that the government should develop concrete solutions immediately.
