Don’t vandalise Kashmir’s pristine tourist resorts
Alarm bells are ringing over wanton illegal constructions at famous tourist spot Pahalgam in south Kashmir. The existence of eco-fragile Pahalgam, surrounded by mountains and scenic landscapes, is under serious threat.
Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), which is entrusted with protection of the resort, has raised red flag over ongoing illegal constructions in eco-sensitive zones. It has been revealed that nearly 300 illegal structures including huge hotels, guest houses and huts have come up in various areas of Pahalgam. Unscrupulous persons are mostly undertaking illegal constructions in Ganshibal, Sarabal, Langanbal, Lidroo, Batkoot, Gujrani-Batikoot, Mawoora, Yanner, Srechan, Ganeshpora, Jaibal, Aamad-Wagad, Veersaran, Hardi- Kichroo and Khilan.
The Pahalgam Development Authority rightly has taken up the matter with the Government to seek help for halting the illegal constructions. However, the question arises that how does construction material reach Pahalgam? Probe is must to ascertain if there are some loopholes, or connivance!
This is not the first time that Pahalgam has been facing an onslaught of illegal constructions. After authorities failed to prevent haphazard development of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir High Court acted on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by locals and banned all new commercial and residential constructions, including repairs.
After detecting flaws in the Master Plan, the High Court passed directions to prepare another Master Plan with focus on environmental protection. Again in 2015 a revised Master Plan 2032 was prepared, however, locals detected discrepancies as eco sensitive zones around the Lidder valley golf course were made permissible for commercial constructions.
Massive illegal constructions are going on unabated in eco-sensitive areas like Ladi and Dehwatoo--- outside the jurisdiction of PDA. We have to understand that if constructions continue in haphazard manner, it will have detrimental effects on the ecology of Pahalgam. More hotels will mean an increase in tourist flow. Subsequently there will be an increase in carbon footprint and solid waste management.
Carrying capacity of Pahalgam has to be determined to save its eco-system. Vandalisation of Pahalgam cannot be allowed in the name of so-called development.
Tourists visit Pahalgam to see its gushing streams, meadows and snow clad mountains. But we are constructing concrete monsters in the name of hotels. Government must wake up and use iron hands against those who are bent upon destroying Pahalgam.
We have seen how unregulated flow of tourists to eco-sensitive destinations is taking a toll on its fragile eco-system. Famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is facing ecological concerns due to unregulated tourist flow. Few months ago there was a massive outcry over illegal constructions in Tangmarg and Gulmarg close to forests. Though there was action by authorities but after damage to the environment.
Gulmarg is bustling with tourists and vehicles including All Terrain Vehicles and bikes. We have seen how movement of hundreds of vehicles to Gulmarg has led to an increase in Black Carbon levels. Due to unregulated tourism, there has been a spurt in temperature causing rapid snow melt off and avalanches in winter.
Likewise Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is also facing the wrath of unregulated tourism. We need to understand that Sonamarg and Pahalgam are home to Thajiwas and Kolhai glaciers.
Studies have detected black carbon emissions in Kolahoi glacier which has lost almost 23 percent of its area since 1962 and fragmented into smaller parts. Kolhai glacier feeds Lidder river which is one of the main sources of river Jhelum considered to be the lifeline of Kashmir.
In the last over a decade, the average mass balance of the glacier has increased recently. Kolahai is losing mass at the rate of about 1.0 m water equivalent annually, which is significantly higher than the glaciers in the rest of the Himalayas. Thajiwas Glacier is one of the major feeders of Sindh river in Ganderbal district and has witnessed 34 percent recession since 1992.
So we have to understand that Sonamarg and Pahalgam are not only tourist destinations but home to rich flora and fauna, and more importantly glaciers that are crucial for our survival.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is a nature lover, has been stressing for sustainable tourism. He has been calling for focused efforts in garbage disposal and waste management through sustained campaigns and stakeholder awareness at tourist destinations.
Omar, who holds the Tourism portfolio, has been underscoring the need for taking up green field tourism development projects and planned development of tourism destinations.
Environmentalists hope that Omar will execute his green vision for tourism. There is also a need to strike a balance between tourism and the environment. Tourism Development Authorities must be empowered to ensure protection of the environment while ensuring facilities for tourists.
There is a need to promote eco-tourism to minimise damage to the environment. We need to take utmost care while promoting offbeat destinations like Gurez, Bangus, Karnah, Daksum, Watlab, Lolab, Sinthan top, Doodhpathri and Kangan which are eco-fragile areas. Some decades ago, there were only wooden huts in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg which were in sync with the environment. We shouldn’t make tourist spots into concrete jungles as tourists prefer to spend time close to nature!
Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir