Authorities constitute special teams to probe illegal earth, tree cutting in Tangmarg

Gulmarg, Dec 24: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla Minga Sherpa on Tuesday said that special teams were constituted by the district administration to look into the violations of tree and illegal earth cutting in Tangmarg area of the district.

Talking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of Chillai Kalan festival organised in world famous ski resort Gulmarg, DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa said the team comprising of SDM Tangmarg, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and DFO has been constituted to inquire into the violations that have been reported to the administration.

"So, as soon as the inquiry report is submitted, action will be taken. Because we cannot let anyone harm the beauty of this place (Gulmarg). which is special because of its natural beauty. The trees and the landscape here have to be preserved," DC Barmulla said.

According to officials of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), scores of complaints were received about the illegal constructions and unchecked encroachments in the Green Belt of the Gulmarg and Tangmarg area.

Greater Kashmir earlier carried a series of stories regarding the issue and highlighted that the unchecked encroachments and illegal earth-cutting are ravaging Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The illegal constructions not only threaten the fragile ecosystem of this most sought-after tourist destination but also question the accountability of those entrusted to protect it.

"The district administration is very strict about it, that if anyone does such illegal things, they will not be tolerated.

All action will be taken against him," DC Baramulla Minga Sherpa said.

DC Baramulla further said that the District administration along with GDA will revive the world famous golf course of Gulmarg as well.

"GDA tried a lot to revive the golf course. You all know that Gulmarg's golf course is facing issues because snow remains here for almost six months," he said.

He said the government has taken cognisance of the issue that Gulmarg Golf course needs repairs and renovations.

"The government has taken cognisance of it. So, we are trying to convert the 18-hole golf course back so that all the tournaments can start here again," Minga Sherpa said.

About the whopping revenue generated by the Cable Car Corporation, the DC Baramulla said the number of tourists visiting Gulmarg was not hidden to anyone.

"Once you come from the Narbal-Tangmarg highway, you will see the number of vehicles moving towards Gulmarg has increased. The pressure on the gondola has also increased. So, I hope this year also, a large number of tourists will be there. And we will try to ensure that the number of tourists increases," he said.

DC Baramulla while referring to issues faced by tourists and visitors visiting Gulmarg said like last year, the team of the concerned SDM will ensure that the tourists and the locals do not face any issue.

"The big issue faced by the tourists is chains which they have to tie to the vehicles. I am sure that like last year, our team will ensure that the tourists and the locals do not face any inconveniences," DC Baramulla said.