GCC welcomes reconstitution of Tourism Development Authorities

Srinagar, July 20: The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) Saturday welcomed the recent decision of the J&K government to reconstitute the Tourism Development Authorities under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and Administrative Secretary Tourism Department and expressed hope that the leadership and supervision of LG and the high-ranking officials would go a long way in the promotion of clean and sustainable tourism in J&K.

A statement of GCC issued here said that it appeals to the LG and Chief Secretary to take urgent steps to deal with the problem of solid waste as most of the TDAs have no proper system for solid waste disposal, in particular polythene and plastic solid waste.

The GCC called for strict enforcement of the existing ban on single-use plastic and the imposition of heavy fines on polluters.

The GCC also appealed to the tourism stakeholders, the tourists, yatris and locals to help keep the tourist places, surrounding areas, and trekking routes clean and free from litter and to help protect the natural assets and resources and tourism infrastructure already built to protect and preserve the famed natural beauty of J&K.

The GCC called for an immediate halt and prevention of encroachments, unauthorised constructions and constructions in violation of Master Plans.

The GCC hailed the recent statement of LG in which he called for sustainable tourism as sustainable tourism is the best antidote against over-tourism and its adverse effects.

The GCC suggested and demanded a fresh tourism policy document to promote sustainable tourism and discourage over tourism keeping in view the carrying capacity and environmental constraints.