Plastic Litter Mars Gulmarg Slopes, Raises Serious Questions on Enforcement
Rafiq Bin Hamid
Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s most prominent tourist destinations, is facing a growing environmental concern as plastic waste and other non biodegradable items continue to litter its snow covered slopes. Bottles, food wrappers, disposable plates and polythene packets have been found scattered and buried under the snow, presenting a grim picture beneath the region’s famed white landscape.
This situation persists despite clear signboards stating that the use of polythene is banned in the area. The presence of plastic waste indicates a serious lapse in enforcement and monitoring by the concerned authorities. With heavy tourist footfall during peak winter months, the absence of strict waste management and regulatory control is becoming increasingly evident.
Environmental experts warn that plastic concealed under snow does not disappear. As the snow melts, this waste enters the soil and nearby water bodies, posing a threat to local ecology, wildlife and natural water sources. Gulmarg, being an eco sensitive zone, is particularly vulnerable to such unchecked pollution.
The issue cannot be attributed solely to irresponsible visitors. The responsibility equally lies with the administration for failing to ensure proper waste disposal mechanisms, regulate vendors using plastic packaging, and impose penalties on violators. Regular sanitation drives, adequate dustbins at key locations, strict checking of banned materials and visible enforcement on the ground remain largely missing.
Gulmarg’s economy depends heavily on tourism, but neglecting environmental protection risks long term damage to the destination’s natural appeal and sustainability. The administration must take immediate and concrete steps to address this issue before the hidden waste resurfaces and causes irreversible harm.
The matter calls for urgent action, not only to preserve Gulmarg’s natural beauty but also to uphold environmental laws meant to protect one of Kashmir’s most treasured landscapes.